Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing

Spinach Salad Warm Maple Dressing on a white platter.

Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing

Cozy up your salads with this Spinach Salad topped with a warm maple dressing! A mix of fresh spinach, crunchy almonds, crisp apples, and creamy goat cheese make this salad satisfying and delicious. It's perfect as a festive fall/winter side or even a main with added protein. Try it for a simple yet flavorful twist on your usual greens!

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword apples, salad, spinach

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 190kcal

Ingredients

Warm Maple Dressing:

½ cup avocado oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad:

¼ cup sliced almonds
8 cups baby spinach (5 ounces)
½ cup thinly sliced unpeeled Honeycrisp apple
¼ cup fresh blueberries
¼ cup crumbled honey goat cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a glass jar with a lid, combine the oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well-blended. Set the dressing aside.
Warm a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and fragrant (about one to two minutes). Remove from the heat, transfer the almonds to a plate, and let them cool.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, blueberries, honey goat cheese, and toasted almonds.
Pour the prepared dressing into the skillet and heat over medium just until it starts to simmer (about one minute). Drizzle about six tablespoons of the warm dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, serve with additional warm dressing on the side.
Recipe Note: The dressing can be made up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it just before serving.

Nutrition