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Spinach salad with maple dijon dressing and candied pecans on a white plate next to the serving bowl.

The Best Spinach Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

Julie Hession
This is hands down my favorite salad! It works just as well as a side dish as it does a main course topped with grilled chicken. The candied pecans and dressing can be made in advance, making this ideal for a quick dinner or entertaining!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 229 kcal
5 from 4 votes
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Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet lined with foil
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 mason jar or container with a lid (for shaking the salad dressing)

Ingredients
 
 

Candied Pecans

  • Nonstick spray
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 2 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch cayenne pepper

Maple Dijon Dressing

  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoon shallot finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Assembly

  • 10 oz baby spinach
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple thinly sliced

Instructions
 

Candied Pecans

  • Preheat your oven to 325F. Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Combine pecans with all of the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to coat.
  • Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are golden brown and the sugar mixture is bubbling, stirring occasionally to break up clumps, about 15 minutes.
  • Cool completely on the baking sheet and then crumble into small pieces.

Maple Dijon Dressing

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking well.
  • Optional: Transfer dressing to a mason jar or covered container and shake it well to thoroughly combine.

Assembly

  • Place spinach in a large serving bowl. Add apples, candied pecans and dressing and toss to coat.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 4466IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg
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