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Bowl of fresh spinach apple pecan salad drizzled with poppyseed dressing

Spinach Apple Pecan Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

A fresh, colorful salad loaded with crisp apples, crunchy pecans, dried cranberries, and creamy homemade poppyseed dressing. Ideal for fall dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon milk (to thin, if needed)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey/maple syrup, milk, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Wash and dry the spinach. Thinly slice apples and onion. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 4-5 minutes, if desired.
  3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, apples, cranberries, pecans, onion, and cheese if using.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
  5. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Store dressing separately if making ahead.
  • Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: spinach apple pecan salad, poppyseed dressing, fall salad recipe, vegetarian salad, easy holiday salad