Apple Cranberry Thanksgiving Salad

This apple cranberry Thanksgiving salad is a simple yet elegant Thanksgiving recipe that’s full of seasonal fruit and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect salad for your Thanksgiving menu.

Where do I start with this salad?? It has crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, fresh, crisp apples, feta cheese, with a tangy homemade vinaigrette dressing. There are so many flavors, and when combined, they make the perfect combination.

And don’t be afraid of adding fruit to your salads! I know you had all heard me tell you before how I used to avoid fruit in salads like the plague. I was even hesitant to add the apples into this salad, but I wanted a crisp ingredient to replace the usual crunchy croutons. I am so glad I did. The apples are absolutely delicious in this salad.

Ingredients needed:

To make this apple cranberry Thanksgiving salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz. organic fresh baby spinach
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 honey crisp apple – peeled and sliced thin
• 1/4 red onion – sliced
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigarette
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. raw honey

How to make apple cranberry Thanksgiving salad

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove from the pan and set on paper towel-lined plate to cool.
2. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and raw honey and whisk together. Set aside until ready to use.
3. Rinse the spinach prior to use, then add to a large salad bowl.
4. Add in the cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble the bacon pieces over the top. Using salad forks, toss all ingredients together.
5. Right before serving, add the dressing to salad bowl and toss again until well coated. Serve immediately.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Is spinach salad good for you?

Spinach is high in nutrients; full of vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

What entree goes with spinach salad?

Spinach salad pairs well with poultry or beef. The tangy dressing, plus the addition of the apples in this apple cranberry spinach salad is a lighter option that pairs well with the heavier sides of Thanksgiving dinner.

Can I use bottled dressing?

Yes, of course. You can swap in your favorite vinaigrette dressing.

Recipe Variations

• If you want a milder cheese, swap in cubes of Swiss cheese for the feta.
• Omit the bacon, if preferred.
• Time-saving tip: You can easily make the dressing ahead of time and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. You could also prepare the bacon, apples, and onions ahead of time and have the salad ready to throw together to cut down on time.

Recommended kitchen tools for this recipe

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Pair this apple cranberry Thanksgiving salad with any of these additional Thanksgiving recipes!

• Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey – a delicious Thanksgiving turkey with a maple-infused seasoning
• Orange Cranberry Relish – perfect relish for your Thanksgiving table
• Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding – a delicious individual-sized dessert
• Honey Caramelized Brussel Sprouts – another sweet + savory vegetable side dish
• Sautéed Green Beans & Mushrooms – an easy one-pot vegetable side dish
• Maple Bacon Spice Cupcakes – with a delicious maple frosting and topped with candied bacon!
• Cranberry Caramel Baked Brie – feed your hungry guests this appetizer while they’re waiting for the main meal
• Sage, Fig, and Pancetta Stuffing – delicious flavors packed into this stuffing dish
• Maple Mustard Roasted Carrots – an elegant yet simple vegetable side dish
• Baked Elbow Macaroni and Cheese – a side dish loved by all ages
• Gluten-free Pecan Pie Tarts – Easy individual-sized dessert

Grab a copy of Gather – A Thanksgiving Cookbook to create a memorable holiday meal!

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad Recipe