Texas APRN Apricot & Spinach Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.8 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 3 min Serves 4 Vegetarian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth.
  4. 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.

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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.

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