Apple, Walnut, and Spinach Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Ever stared at a fridge full of random apples and wilted greens? This spinach and apple salad recipe turns them into a crisp, crowd-pleasing dish.

Does anyone else feel like the spinach and apple salad recipe is just what you need when your fridge is a mess of leftovers and your brain feels fried by dinner ideas? Trust me, you’re not the only one. I used to stare at a pile of random apples, some wilted greens, and those half-empty bags of nuts (why so many types though?) wondering what the heck to do. Then I stumbled on this combo that changed my salad game totally yes, it’s so good even picky eaters at my house stopped complaining. If you’re looking for something healthy that feels a little fancy without any fuss, you’ll want to stick around. By the way, I found that the Canned Tuna Recipes: What Mixes Well with Canned Tuna?

Why you will make this spinach and apple salad all season long tonight

Okay, let’s be real. Not every salad hits the spot, but this one oh wow it’s got it all. Sweet, crisp apples! Toasty walnuts. Spinach that actually tastes good thanks to a little tang from the maple vinaigrette. It’s perfect for those nights you want something green and refreshing but not boring (or limp, ugh).

What gets me? I’ve served this salad (honestly, not even kidding) at Thanksgiving next to all those heavy dishes and it got gobbled up first. People have asked for the recipe and I never gatekeep. The flavor makes it special, but also, it’s stupid-easy. Toss it together in ten minutes and you’re done. So if you’re craving salad but still want comfort food vibes…this is your hero dish tonight.

Best apple varieties and crisp greens for reliable fall crunch tonight

Let’s talk apples because not all apples are rockstars for this salad. Granny Smiths bring a nice tart crunch, which I love, but Honeycrisp apples? Oh boy, they’re like the Beyoncé of salad apples juicy, sweet, super crispy. If you prefer less tartness, Fuji apples do the trick, too. Please just skip mushy ones like Red Delicious (no offense, but they get weird in salad).

Now, on greens regular spinach is totally fine, but baby spinach is where it’s at for tenderness and just the right chew. Sometimes I’ll even throw in a handful of arugula if it needs using up. The mix of flavors keeps things interesting instead of feeling like the same old bowl of green stuff.

So, when you want that perfect bite of crunchy, sweet, and a little tart, grab the RIGHT apple and some perky greens ok? Thank me later.

All ingredients and US measurements for a balanced salad bowl tonight tonight

Here’s what you’ll want to grab from your kitchen (or the store if you’ve got nothing left):

• 5 cups baby spinach (about one bag)
• 1-2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted if you wanna get fancy)
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (the chewy part, trust me)
• 1/4 small red onion, sliced thin
• Optional: 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch

For the maple vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (yes, it pulls it all together)
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

This is the core, but you can tweak as needed (see my lazy swaps below). Just don’t skip the apples or walnuts they’re the vibe.

Three simple steps to assemble and dress without sogginess for cozy fall dinners

Nobody likes a soggy salad, right? So here’s how not to mess it up:

Step one: Slice, chop, and prep all your stuff first. Apples get thin slices (leave the peel for color and crunch). Onions go in thin too nobody wants a big hunk of onion.

Step two: Whisk up your maple vinaigrette in a small bowl or shake in a jar. Easy.

Step three: Right before serving, toss the spinach, apples, walnuts, cheese, cranberries, and onion in your biggest salad bowl. Drizzle with about half the vinaigrette, toss again, and taste. Add more dressing if you want. Top with the rest of the cheese and nuts for a pretty, “ooh la la” finish.

Seriously, if you’re prepping ahead, skip the dressing till the last minute. That’s the trick to keeping it fresh.

Tips, smart substitutions, and nut swaps for allergies for cozy fall dinners

Allergies are a pain, but salads like this one can flex. Walnuts are classic, I’ll admit, but pecans or sliced almonds work great. Or hey, try roasted pumpkin seeds if you need a nut-free version. Still that perfect crunch.

Not a cheese fan? Skip it, or swap in a vegan cheese crumble. Maple syrup missing in your pantry? A little honey or agave will do the job.

If cranberries aren’t your thing, dried cherries or even raisins step in nicely. I love tossing in what I’ve got sometimes a pear, sometimes a handful of leftover rotisserie chicken to make it dinner-worthy. That’s what’s cool about salads like these.

Make-ahead and storage notes for lunch boxes and parties for cozy fall dinners

This salad shines when fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead (hello, future lunch), just keep the dressing separate till showtime. Spinach and apples can hang out in a sealed container for a couple hours. Apples brown kinda fast, so a spritz of lemon juice helps.

Leftovers? They’ll last a day in the fridge, but the greens do get a little wilty. If you packed a salad for lunch, keep the vinaigrette in a little jar and shake it on right before you eat. Easy win for meal prep. For parties prep everything in advance but don’t toss till guests roll up or you risk sad, droopy salad.

Serving ideas for Thanksgiving starters and cozy dinners for cozy fall dinners

Honestly, this spinach and apple salad recipe is like your little black dress for the dinner table. Here’s how I serve it up all fall and winter:

• Pile onto a big platter for an easy Friendsgiving starter that impresses with zero stress
• Serve as a side for roast chicken or turkey (adds brightness to a heavy meal)
• Add sliced grilled chicken for a weeknight main dish
• Take to potlucks just toss it at the last minute for maximum wow-power

Every time, folks ask for the recipe (and you better believe I send them the link).

Common Questions

Wrap Up and Fresh Fall Inspiration

Okay, so that’s my full scoop on the spinach and apple salad recipe I still make it every single fall because, well, it just works. Sweet, crispy, and a total crowd-pleaser. If you need more inspiration, the Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe | Gimme Some Oven gives you another awesome take, or check out the health benefits of apples for more reasons to keep those apples in your fridge. Ready to mix things up? Give it a try and make your dinner table (and your taste buds) a whole lot happier. Why not make something easier, tastier, and a lot more fun tonight?