Suffolk Cherry Apple Spinach Salad
Experience a delightful twist on the classic Waldorf Salad with our Suffolk Cherry Apple Spinach Salad. This vibrant dish features crisp, juicy Gala apples for a perfect sweetness, combined with crunchy celery and tart dried cherries, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite. Fresh spinach leaves provide a nutrient-rich base, while creamy mayonnaise and nutty peanut butter offer a luscious dressing that ties all the ingredients together. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a picnic, holiday gathering, or as a light lunch, this revamped rendition is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
peanut butter
2 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Gala apples
2 large (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
dried cherries
1/4 cup (chopped)
spinach leaves
1 cup (fresh)
pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, peanut butter, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
2
Add the chopped Gala apples, celery, and dried cherries to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to enhance the overall taste.
4
When ready to serve, arrange the fresh spinach leaves evenly on a large serving platter.
5
Spoon the chilled apple mixture over the spinach leaves, spreading it evenly.
6
Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an additional crunchy texture.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Suffolk Cherry Apple Spinach Salad?
This salad is a modern twist on the Waldorf Salad, featuring Gala apples, dried cherries, spinach, and a creamy peanut butter dressing.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for two large Gala apples because they are crisp and sweet, but you can use any firm apple.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Can I substitute the dried cherries?
Yes, if you do not have dried cherries, you can use dried cranberries or raisins as a substitute.
Which nuts are best for this salad?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are recommended to provide the perfect crunch for this dish.
How long should the salad chill?
It is recommended to refrigerate the apple mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Generally, the ingredients listed are gluten-free, but you should always verify the labels on your mayonnaise and peanut butter.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise alternative.
How do I serve the salad?
Arrange fresh spinach leaves on a platter, spoon the chilled apple mixture over them, and top with chopped nuts.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the recipe suggests chopping the apples; keeping the skin on adds color and extra nutrients.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a creamy alternative to peanut butter.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe requires one cup of fresh spinach leaves as the base for the salad.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice adds a bright flavor and helps prevent the chopped apples from turning brown.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple mixture ahead of time, but it is best to plate it on the spinach right before serving to keep the leaves fresh.
What makes this a 'Suffolk' style salad?
The name refers to this specific variation of the Waldorf salad that incorporates dried cherries and spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach?
No, fresh spinach leaves are necessary to provide the crisp structure and taste required for this salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken or sliced turkey would be excellent additions to make this a more filling meal.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of sweet apples, cherries, and creamy peanut butter makes it very appealing to children.
What kind of celery should I use?
One chopped stalk of standard green celery is used to provide a refreshing crunch.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: mayonnaise, peanut butter, lemon juice, Gala apples, celery, dried cherries, spinach, and nuts.
What is the best occasion for this salad?
It is perfect for picnics, holiday gatherings, summer dishes, or as a light, healthy lunch.
Should I toast the nuts?
Toasting the pecans or walnuts is optional but highly recommended to enhance their nutty flavor.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice will provide a similar acidity and work well with the other ingredients.
How do I prevent the salad from being watery?
Ensure your spinach is thoroughly dried after washing and only add the dressing mixture right before serving.
Can I add other fruits?
Grapes or sliced pears would also work well within this flavor profile.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, apples, celery, and spinach are all good sources of dietary fiber.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise and peanut butter together thoroughly before adding the lemon juice to ensure a creamy consistency.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger group.