Name: Apple Spinach Salad with Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: Baby spinach (or spinach + arugula mix); Fuji or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced; Feta cheese, crumbled; Pistachios, shelled and salted; Honey; Fresh lemon juice; Extra virgin olive oil; Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make this apple spinach salad when I want something fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. The sweetness of crisp apples pairs perfectly with tangy feta, crunchy pistachios, and a bright honey-mustard lemon dressing. It’s light enough for a starter yet satisfying enough to be a full meal with added protein.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this salad comes together—just 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but also impressive enough for entertaining. The mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors means every bite feels balanced and exciting. I can serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood pasta, pizza, or even a warm bowl of soup. Plus, the recipe is so flexible that I can swap fruits, greens, or nuts based on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baby spinach (or a mix of spinach and arugula)
Fuji or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
Feta cheese, crumbled
Pistachios, shelled and salted
Honey
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Extra virgin olive oil
Dijon mustard

Directions

I place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
I thinly slice the apple, dipping the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning if making ahead.
I crumble the feta cheese and add it to the bowl along with the apple slices.
In a small jar, I whisk together honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until emulsified.
I pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
I top with pistachios just before serving for crunch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

I enjoy switching up this salad for variety:

Swap spinach for arugula, mixed greens, or butter lettuce.
Replace apples with pears, peaches, nectarines, oranges, or plums.
Try different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds, or add sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Add dried fruit such as cranberries, figs, blueberries, or cherries for extra sweetness.
Use goat cheese or gorgonzola instead of feta for a different tangy bite.
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the salad components separate if I’m making it ahead—greens in one container, sliced apples in another (tossed with lemon juice), dressing in a jar, and pistachios in a small bag. This way, everything stays fresh, and I can toss it together right before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes—I swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and use a vegan cheese alternative or skip the cheese.

2. What’s the best apple variety to use?

I prefer sweet and crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp because they hold their texture and balance the tangy dressing.

3. Can I add protein to make it a main meal?

Absolutely—grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even chickpeas work beautifully here.

4. How do I keep the apples from browning?

I toss the slices in fresh lemon juice right after cutting to maintain their color.

5. Can I use bottled dressing?

I can, but the homemade honey-mustard lemon dressing is so quick and fresh that it really elevates the salad.

Conclusion

I find this apple spinach salad with honey-mustard lemon dressing to be one of my go-to recipes for both everyday meals and special occasions. It’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, yet so easy to adapt to whatever ingredients I have. Every bite feels bright, crunchy, and satisfying.