Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight

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This Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of crisp apples, crunchy cashew nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed together with fresh baby spinach. The rich and tangy balsamic vinaigrette, sweetened with honey, ties all the flavors together, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 6 oz baby spinach
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
  • 1 Gala apple, sliced
  • 1 cup cashew nuts
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of honey (adjust according to your taste)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Begin by washing and drying the baby spinach thoroughly. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Core and thinly slice both the Granny Smith and Gala apples, and add them to the spinach. Add the cashew nuts and dried cranberries to the bowl as well.
  2. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Toss the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Be careful not to overdress the salad; you can start with a little dressing and add more if needed.
  4. Serve: Serve the Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad immediately, either as a main dish or as a side to complement your meal. The combination of fresh spinach, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and sweet cranberries, paired with the tangy vinaigrette, makes this salad a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Conclusion:

This Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. The fresh, crisp apples add a delightful sweetness and crunch, while the dried cranberries and cashew nuts provide texture and depth of flavor. The balsamic vinaigrette, with its blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy notes, enhances the overall taste, making this salad a standout. Whether you’re preparing it for a light meal or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

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