Description

This Summery Spinach Salad is a refreshing and light meal combining fresh baby spinach, crisp granny smith apple slices, juicy strawberries, crunchy pistachios, sweet dried cranberries, and flavorful grilled chicken. Tossed with a zesty grapefruit Dijon dressing, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner during warmer months.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4–5 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
4–5 strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons pistachios, shelled
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Grilled chicken breast, quantity as desired (typically 1 medium breast per serving)

Dressing Ingredients

Zest and juice of 1 grapefruit (or substitute with 2 small lemons, limes, or 1 orange)
1 teaspoon stone ground Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the grapefruit zest and juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly.
Incorporate Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to your preference and set aside.
Assemble the Salad: Divide the fresh baby spinach evenly into serving bowls. Arrange the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and strawberries on top.
Add Nuts and Fruits: Sprinkle the shelled pistachios and dried cranberries evenly over the salad layers.
Add Grilled Chicken: Slice or shred the prepared grilled chicken breast and add it generously to each bowl.
Toss and Serve: Pour a couple of tablespoons of the prepared dressing over each salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, then serve immediately for the best fresh taste.

Notes

You can substitute the grapefruit with lemon, lime, or orange juice depending on your preference or seasonal availability.
For a vegetarian version, omit the grilled chicken or substitute with a plant-based protein.
Grilled chicken can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 4 days for quick salad assembly during the week.
Toasting the pistachios lightly in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes enhances their flavor and crunch.
Adjust dressing quantities to taste, particularly if making multiple servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (for grilling chicken; can be omitted if using pre-cooked chicken)
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: summer salad, spinach salad, grilled chicken salad, healthy salad, citrus dressing, fresh fruit salad