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As the vibrant hues of autumn emerge, so does the opportunity to create a salad that captures the essence of the season. The Crisp Autumn Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty, combining the crispness of freshly picked apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the earthiness of spinach. This salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that not only looks beautiful on the plate but also nourishes the body, making it an ideal choice for your autumn gatherings or a healthy lunch option.

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad

Embrace the flavors of fall with this Crisp Autumn Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad! This vibrant dish combines fresh apples, tart cranberries, and earthy spinach, creating a delightful medley that's both nutritious and visually appealing. With added nuts for crunch and optional feta for creaminess, it's perfect for autumn gatherings or a healthy lunch. Celebrate seasonal ingredients and nourish your body with this delicious salad that's easy to make and full of taste!
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Ingredients
  

6 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried

2 medium apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced

1 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (toasted for extra flavor)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a creamier texture)

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Spinach Base: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves as your crisp base.

    Slice the Apples: Core and thinly slice the apples. If you prefer them to maintain their color and freshness, toss them in a little lemon juice after slicing.

      Add the Crunch: Scatter the sliced apples evenly over the spinach. Then, sprinkle in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

        Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad for a touch of sharpness.

          Feta Cheese: If using, crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast.

            Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.

              Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving. Gently toss everything together to ensure it's evenly coated, and adjust any seasoning if necessary.

                Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional nuts or cranberries on top before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings