Savor the flavors of fall with this simple Spinach and Apple Salad dressed in a honey vinaigrette — a fresh, no-cook recipe that uses fewer than 10 ingredients and brings a sweet note to cooler days.
Gluten Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Grain Free
Even if the thermometer still reads summer, September always feels like the start of fall. Crisp apples, honey-sweet flavors, and cooler evenings inspire seasonal dishes — and this salad captures that mood without turning on the oven.
Apples and honey are traditional symbols of a sweet new year for many cultures, and they’re easy to highlight in a bright, vegetable-forward salad. This dish is a great way to include those flavors at holiday gatherings or to brighten an everyday meal.
This salad works well on a festive table because it looks and tastes special, yet it’s quick enough for lunch or a weeknight dinner. It balances textures and flavors so each bite feels satisfying.
This salad features:
- Fresh baby spinach for a tender, leafy base
- Chewy dried cranberries for sweet-tart contrast
- Crisp chopped apples for juiciness and crunch
- Julienned fennel for a mild anise bite
- Cooked lentils for heartiness and protein
The honey vinaigrette brightens the salad with a touch of sweetness balanced by apple cider vinegar and olive oil. A pinch of ground ginger with salt and pepper completes the dressing for a warm, spiced finish.
This Spinach and Apple Salad is…
- Full of fall flavor
- Delicious for entertaining
- Made with fewer than 10 ingredients
- Vegan-friendly (see notes) and adaptable
- Gluten free and allergy-aware
- Quick and easy to assemble
How to make it:
Fall Spinach and Apple Salad With Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 pound organic baby spinach
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped apple
- 1/2 cup julienned fennel
- 1 cup cooked lentils
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of ground ginger, plus salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of ground ginger with salt and pepper until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the salad just before serving and toss until the greens and other ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Don’t forget to PIN IT…
Are you ready to welcome fall?
XO