Are you craving a refreshing and healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this vibrant Apple Feta Salad! This delicious dish is bursting with sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect lunch, light dinner, or side dish for any occasion. It's the ideal recipe for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and offering maximum flavor. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 large crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5 ounces baby spinach or mixed greens
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra honey can balance the tartness of the vinegar.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (if using) with the baby spinach or mixed greens.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as you want to avoid bruising the apples.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the Apple Feta Salad immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors. This salad is best enjoyed right away, although you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Note that the apples might release some moisture over time.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Feta Salad:
- Choose your apples wisely: Crisp apples hold their shape better in salads. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples.
- Toast your nuts: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the salad. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Don't overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like shredded carrots, celery, red onion, or different types of cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Apple Feta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Apple Feta Salad: Add grilled or roasted chicken breast for a more substantial meal.
- Apple Feta Salad with Goat Cheese: Substitute goat cheese for feta for a tangier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 4-5 grams
This Apple Feta Salad is a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!