Glazed Pecan Spinach Apple Salad
This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach, crisp apples, and sweet red onions, all tossed together in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. The standout element is the glazed pecans, which add a delightful crunch and a rich sweetness to each bite. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, this salad is a fantastic way to showcase seasonal apples while providing a burst of color and flavor to your meal. Simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite at any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
prepared mustard (Dijon preferred)
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
golden delicious apple
1 (halved, cored, thinly sliced)
red onion
1/4 cup (cut in thin strips)
fresh spinach
3/4 lb (washed, stems removed, leaves torn)
glazed pecans
1/2 cup (see preparation instructions)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the pecans: In a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of pecans with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the sugar has melted and the pecans are nicely coated and glazed. Once done, pour them onto a sheet of wax paper and separate them with a spoon while still warm. Allow them to cool completely.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until the dressing becomes thick and emulsified.
3
Add the thinly sliced golden delicious apple and red onion to the dressing in the bowl, tossing gently until they are well coated.
4
Gently place the torn spinach leaves on top of the dressed apples and onions. Then sprinkle the glazed pecans over the salad.
5
Just before serving, give the salad a light toss to combine all the elements without bruising the spinach.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glazed Pecan Spinach Apple Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines fresh spinach, crisp apples, and sweet red onions, all tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette and topped with crunchy glazed pecans.
How do I prepare the glazed pecans?
Combine 1/2 cup of pecans with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring for 5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the pecans.
What type of apple is recommended for this salad?
Golden Delicious apples are recommended; they should be halved, cored, and thinly sliced.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Is the Glazed Pecan Spinach Apple Salad vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is suitable for a vegan diet.
How long does it take to glaze the pecans?
The glazing process takes approximately 5 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat.
How should I cool the glazed pecans?
Pour them onto a sheet of wax paper and separate them with a spoon while still warm, then allow them to cool completely.
How do I prepare the spinach for the salad?
The spinach should be washed, have its stems removed, and the leaves should be torn.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe suggests using a prepared mustard, with Dijon being the preferred choice for the best flavor.
How should the red onion be cut?
The red onion should be cut into thin strips to integrate well with the other salad components.
When should I toss the salad?
Give the salad a light toss just before serving to combine the elements without bruising the spinach leaves.
What texture should the dressing have?
Whisk the dressing ingredients until they become thick and emulsified.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe calls for cider vinegar, which provides a specific tanginess, but other vinegars could be used as a substitute.
How much spinach is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 lb of fresh spinach for this salad.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is preparing and glazing the pecans so they have time to cool.
Can I make this salad for a party?
Yes, it is described as impressive enough for gatherings and simple to prepare.
What order should I add ingredients to the dressing?
Add the sliced apples and onions to the dressing first to coat them before adding the spinach and pecans.
Is the salad crunchy?
Yes, the combination of crisp apples and glazed pecans provides a delightful crunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What pan should I use for the pecans?
A medium non-stick frying pan is best to prevent the sugar from sticking and burning.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil for the vinaigrette.
Can I use store-bought glazed pecans?
While the recipe explains how to make them fresh, you could use store-bought ones if you are short on time.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What makes the salad seasonal?
The use of fresh apples makes it a fantastic way to showcase seasonal produce.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 tablespoon of sugar.
How much sugar is used for the pecan glaze?
The pecan glaze also uses 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the plant-based ingredients listed, this recipe should be naturally cholesterol-free.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of red onion cut into thin strips.
What is the role of the Dijon mustard?
It provides a tangy flavor and helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar in the dressing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group or gathering.