5.0 from 6 votes
Apple Pecan and Spinach Salad
This Apple Pecan Salad with maple vinaigrette is delightfully sweet with savory cubes of cheddar cheese! Fresh spinach, crisp apples, and crunchy roasted pecans are tossed together to create a delicious cranberry pecan salad that is vegetarian and healthy.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 524 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course , Salad , Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Maple Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
Salad Base
- 6 cups baby spinach packed
- 2 apples large; cut into medium cubes and drizzled with lemon juice
- 4 ounces cheddar aged white or yellow; cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pecans roasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, put all the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk until emulsified then set aside.
- Add the spinach, apple, cheddar cubes, pecans, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Tips
- Use any kind of fresh greens instead of spinach such as arugula, spring mix, romaine, etc.
- Make this a vegan salad by omitting the cheese.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use pears instead of apples.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, crumble the salad with goat, feta, or blue cheese.
- Use agave nectar or honey instead of maple syrup.
Nutrition Information
Calories
524kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
41g
(63%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
Monounsaturated Fat
23g
Cholesterol
30mg
(10%)
Sodium
548mg
(23%)
Potassium
550mg
(16%)
Fiber
7g
(28%)
Sugar
22g
(44%)
Vitamin A
4576IU
(92%)
Vitamin C
31mg
(34%)
Calcium
294mg
(29%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 524
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 524kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 548mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 550mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 4576IU | 92% |
| Vitamin C | 31mg | 34% |
| Calcium | 294mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.