This summer Apple and Spinach Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette is my go-to simple everyday salad. I make it on repeat all summer long. Baby spinach, crisp green apples, cucumber, creamy avocado, golden raisins, pistachios and plenty of crumbled goat cheese. All tossed together with a delicious maple balsamic vinaigrette for a salad that’s simple to put together, healthy, and pairs so perfectly with just about any meal.
The salad ingredients are the perfect pairing of flavors a little sweet, crunchy and savory with a touch of salt. My preference is to use raw pistachios but if you like a saltier kick, lightly salted ones are great too. I generally am not the biggest fan of raisins but these plump golden ones are a great sweet add-in. Trust me give them a try and if you soak them for a few minutes ahead of time in some hot water they are even better as they begin to rehydrate.
Putting it all together…
The salad comes together really quickly. Which is great when you are short on time. Grab a large bowl and layer together the spinach, cucumber, avocado and apple.
Next, put all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake up or in a bowl mixed with a fork. I love vinaigrettes this one is the perfect balance of savory, tangy and sweet! Every bite is more delicious than the next and this dressing is the perfect finish to the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top of the salad and finish by sprinkling pistachios and a generous portion of goat cheese crumbles.
Looking for something more savory and zesty than sweet in a salad? Try this Zesty Panzanella Salad with the most amazing garlicky croutons.
Lastly, if you make this Apple Spinach Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing, be sure to leave a comment, or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear from you. If you do make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram! I love seeing the photos of the recipes you make!
Spinach salad with crisp green apples, cucumber, creamy avocado, golden raisins and pistachios topped with crumbled goat cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
6 cups fresh spinach
1 chopped english cucumber
1 ripe avocado sliced
1 chopped green apple
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup raw pistachios
1/4 cup goat cheese
Dressing Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
In a small bowl whisk all dressing ingredients together or shake together in a jar.
Chop cucumber, green apple and avocado into bite sized pieces. In a large serving bowl add spinach, cucumber, apple and avocado. Mix in dressing and toss with the golden raisins, pistachios, goat cheese and serve.
A flavorful pairing. The dressing was delicious
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it the dressing is one of my favorites as well.
What a divine salad! And the maple balsamic dressing on top is perfect! Thanks for this amazing recipe! Love it!
What a gorgeous looking salad bowl. The apples really brightened it up
Nice flavorful salad. Loved the dressing!
Such a fabulous recipe and tasty! I love using it for most of my lunch salads now. Thanks so much for sharing.
Such a delicious salad – great, fresh tasting flavours and the vinaigrette is so good!
I was looking for some new salad ideas and this one is a gem! So flavorful and healthy, too!
I love everything about this salad. So simple and incredibly tasty!
This is so delicious and so easy to make. I will prepare this for my family this weekend.