Description
Tantalizing hot spinach apple salad brings Mediterranean freshness with crisp greens and sweet-tart apple slices. Warm bacon vinaigrette drizzled over tender spinach creates a perfect balance of flavors you’ll savor in each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
Nuts and Dried Fruit:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse spinach leaves and gently blot dry with paper towels. Carefully remove apple cores and slice into delicate, thin wedges.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat, pour a light stream of olive oil, and gently sauté spinach for approximately 3 minutes until leaves become tender and slightly wilted.
- Introduce sliced apple wedges into the skillet, allowing them to simmer and soften for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and dried cranberries into the skillet, blending ingredients together and allowing them to toast lightly for 2 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Carefully remove the skillet from heat source, drizzle a smooth stream of balsamic vinegar across the salad, and tenderly toss ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors. Serve immediately while still warm for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Swap baby spinach for mature spinach to enhance texture and slightly reduce cooking time.
- Toast nuts beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in the salad.
- Select crisp, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor contrast and structural integrity.
- Consider replacing dried cranberries with pomegranate seeds for a burst of fresh, tangy brightness and added antioxidants.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg