Savory Spinach Salad with Honey-Caramelized Pecans and Apples
Indulge in a delightful Spinach Salad that elevates the everyday greens with the irresistible crunch of honey-caramelized pecans and crisp Granny Smith apples. This vibrant dish features a mix of fresh baby spinach, perfectly complemented by crumbled feta cheese or bold blue cheese for an added punch. Whether you're preparing a light lunch or a sophisticated side for dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a solo treat, serve it fresh for the best experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
pecan halves
1/2 cup (raw)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
fresh baby spinach
6 ounces (cleaned and torn)
Granny Smith apple
1 large (cored, sliced, and cut into bite-sized pieces)
crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (virgin)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (distilled)
Instructions
1
In a small frying pan, melt the butter over low heat.
2
Add the pecan halves and brown sugar to the pan, stirring constantly, cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar has melted and the mixture becomes caramelized and bubbly.
3
Once caramelized, spread the pecans onto a sheet of wax paper to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, cooled caramelized pecans, bite-sized apple pieces, and crumbled feta cheese.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white vinegar until well combined.
6
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
7
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese or nuts if desired.
8
Chef's Note: To prepare ahead for a special occasion, toss the apple pieces with the salad dressing to prevent browning, and layer the greens, feta, and pecans in a bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it's time to serve, tossing just before enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main green used in this salad?
The main green used is six ounces of fresh baby spinach, cleaned and torn.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large Granny Smith apple, cored, sliced, and cut into bite-sized pieces for a crisp and tart flavor.
How are the pecans prepared for the salad?
Pecan halves are caramelized in a frying pan with melted butter and brown sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and then cooled on wax paper.
Which cheeses work well with this spinach salad?
Crumbled feta cheese is recommended, but bold blue cheese is also a great alternative for an added punch.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is a simple whisked combination of two tablespoons of virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Savory Spinach Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How can I prevent the apples from turning brown?
You can prevent browning by tossing the bite-sized apple pieces with the salad dressing immediately.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can layer the greens, cheese, and pecans in a bowl and keep them refrigerated, tossing with the dressing and apples just before serving.
What should I use to cool the caramelized pecans?
Spread the caramelized pecans onto a sheet of wax paper to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
How long does it take to cook the pecans?
The pecans take approximately 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize over low heat.
What heat setting should be used for the frying pan?
Use a low heat setting to melt the butter and caramelize the pecans without burning the sugar.
Does the recipe use honey or brown sugar for the pecans?
While the title mentions honey, the specific ingredient list and instructions use one tablespoon of packed brown sugar for the caramelization.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The salad offers a balance of textures including crunchy pecans, crisp apples, and soft baby spinach.
How should the dressing be applied?
The dressing should be drizzled over the salad mixture and tossed gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.
Should the pecans be raw before starting?
Yes, the recipe starts with 1/2 cup of raw pecan halves.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Salad.
Is the spinach used whole or prepared?
The baby spinach should be cleaned and torn before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the salad with additional cheese or nuts if desired before serving.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While the recipe calls for virgin olive oil, you could use other neutral oils, though the flavor profile may change.
What kind of bowl is needed for mixing?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure all ingredients can be tossed gently and coated evenly.
Is this a light or heavy dish?
This is described as a vibrant, light dish suitable for a light lunch or a sophisticated side for dinner.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of butter.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What should the sugar look like when the pecans are done?
The sugar should be melted, caramelized, and bubbly.
Should the salad be served cold or warm?
The salad is best served fresh and immediately after tossing, typically at room temperature or slightly chilled from the ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this salad.
What happens if I don't stir the pecans?
The sugar may burn; the instructions recommend stirring constantly while cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.
Is the recipe easy to make?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is 'easy recipe', making it suitable for quick preparation.