Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad celebrating Texas' culinary spirit with sweet apricots, fresh greens, and a zesty lemon dressing. This vegetarian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs Fresh spinach, Dried apricots, Almonds into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Dried apricots
- 1/2 cup Almonds
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 cup dried apricots into 1/4-inch pieces and toss with 1 tbsp honey and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups fresh spinach, the apricot mixture, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently until greens are evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (15 min prep + 3 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.