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Fresh Apple Spinach Salad Recipe with Goat Cheese and Maple Lime Dressing

fresh apple spinach salad - featured image
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A crisp and refreshing salad combining fresh apples, tender spinach, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy-sweet maple-lime dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or a healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (about 60g), roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Slice apples and onions: Core and thinly slice apples (no need to peel). Thinly slice red onion. For less bite, soak onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  4. Wash and dry spinach: Rinse baby spinach leaves thoroughly and spin dry or pat with towels to remove excess moisture.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced apples, red onion, and cooled toasted nuts. Crumble goat cheese over the top.
  6. Toss with dressing: Pour the maple-lime dressing over the salad. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated, being careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
  7. Serve immediately for best texture. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast nuts to enhance flavor and crunch. Whisk oil slowly into dressing to emulsify properly. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Toss salad gently by hand to avoid bruising spinach. Slice apples just before assembly to prevent browning or toss in lemon water if prepping early. Keep dressing separate if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple spinach salad, goat cheese salad, maple lime dressing, healthy salad, quick salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/fresh-apple-spinach-salad-recipe-with-goat-cheese-and-maple-lime-dressing-perfect-for-easy-healthy-meals/