My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad

Made with tons of baby spinach and crisp apples, toasted nuts, soft cheese, and a zippy vinaigrette. Perfect for autumn, and so easy to make!!

INGREDIENTS:
APPLE SPINACH SALAD INGREDIENTS:

• 10 ounces baby spinach
• 2 large apples, cored and thinly-sliced (I used 1 gala apple, 1 granny smith apple, but any will do)
• half a small red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
• 1 cup walnut halves, toasted (or pecans)
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 5 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese, or blue cheese)
• 1 batch apple cider vinaigrette (see below)

CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
• a generous pinch of salt and black pepper
• (optional) 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, to sweeten

DIRECTIONS:
TO MAKE THE APPLE SPINACH SALAD:

1. Add spinach, apples, red onion, walnuts, dried cranberries, and half of the goat cheese to a large bowl.  Drizzle with the vinaigrette, and toss to combine.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining goat cheese.