I've Got the Spinach Apple Blues Salad

Brighten up your plate with the vibrant and flavorful "I've Got the Spinach Apple Blues Salad," a quick and easy recipe bursting with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. This refreshing salad combines crisp Granny Smith apple slices, nutrient-packed fresh spinach, creamy crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, all tied together with a drizzle of homemade honey mustard vinaigrette. A sprinkle of dried cranberries adds a pop of sweetness and color, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Ready in just 15 minutes, this delicious salad is ideal as a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or even a festive appetizer. Whether you're looking for a healthy recipe packed with fresh ingredients or a flavorful salad with contrasting textures and tastes, this dish is sure to delight! Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a gourmet twist on a classic spinach salad.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 5 cups fresh spinach
• 1 large Granny Smith apple
• 0.5 cups crumbled blue cheese
• 0.5 cups pecans
• 0.25 cups dried cranberries
• 0.25 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the fresh spinach, then place it in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

Core the Granny Smith apple and slice it into thin wedges. Add the apple slices to the salad bowl with the spinach.

Step 3

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly, then add to the salad.

Step 4

Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and dried cranberries over the salad.

Step 5

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the honey mustard vinaigrette.

Step 6

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and gently toss everything to combine.

Step 7

Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(633.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1387.9

Total Fat 110.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.8g
Cholesterol 42.6mg	0%
Sodium 1653.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 68.3g
Protein 21.7g	0%

Vitamin D 8.4IU	0%
Calcium 510.5mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 651.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.1%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 24.9%