As the air gets crisp and leaves begin to turn, this Autumn Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and vibrant way to celebrate the season. Featuring baby spinach, crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, and a sweet-tangy orange poppy seed dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of autumn flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish for a cozy dinner, this salad is sure to impress.
Autumn Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
I love making this spinach salad in the fall because it combines so many of my favorite seasonal ingredients. The baby spinach is tender and mild, while the roasted butternut squash adds a sweet, caramelized flavor. I like to toss in some crisp apple slices, candied pecans, and a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a little extra crunch and sweetness. But the real star of this dish is the homemade orange poppy seed dressing. It’s zesty, sweet, and ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
This salad is ideal for a holiday meal or as a light lunch, paired with warm, crusty bread or even a comforting bowl of Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s simple enough to make for any occasion but feels special enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sweet roasted squash, crisp apples, and the zesty orange poppy seed dressing makes this salad burst with fall flavors.
- Nutrient-Rich: Spinach, apples, and squash provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for a last-minute side or a healthy lunch.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Main Ingredients for Autumn Spinach Salad
- Baby Spinach – Tender and nutrient-rich, baby spinach is the perfect base for this autumn salad.
- Butternut Squash – Roasted butternut squash adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Apples – I like using a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Gala for a bit of crunch and natural sweetness.
- Candied Pecans – For added crunch and a touch of sweetness, candied pecans are a must.
- Dried Cranberries – These little bursts of sweetness complement the tangy dressing and add color to the salad.
- Feta Cheese – Creamy, salty feta provides a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors in the salad.
- Orange Poppy Seed Dressing – The dressing is made with fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds, creating a sweet-tangy flavor that ties the salad together.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Autumn Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Here’s how to make this delicious autumn salad, step by step:
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Tip: Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a lovely golden color.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: While the squash is roasting, wash and dry the baby spinach, core and thinly slice the apple, and crumble the feta cheese. Set these ingredients aside.
- Pro Tip: To prevent the apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Make the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/3 cup olive oil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Variation: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of orange zest or a dash of garlic powder to the dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach, roasted squash, apple slices, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- Variation: If you want to make this salad a more complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the orange poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
- Tip: If you’re not serving the salad right away, keep the dressing separate and toss it just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Swap the Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg to turn this salad into a heartier meal.
- Change the Nuts: If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds work well in this salad.
- How to Store: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- How to Serve: This salad pairs wonderfully with warm dishes like Baked Turkey Wings Recipe or a cozy soup like Carrot Soup Recipe for a well-rounded meal.
Health Benefits of Autumn Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that benefit your overall health. Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, eye health, and bone strength. The butternut squash provides fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, while apples contribute vitamin C and soluble fiber. The healthy fats from olive oil in the dressing and the protein from the feta cheese make this a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
- High in Antioxidants: Spinach and squash are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
- Supports Digestive Health: The fiber in apples and spinach promotes healthy digestion and can help keep you feeling full.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: The olive oil in the dressing provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
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