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This refreshing winter spinach salad is loaded with walnuts, apples, beets and topped off with a deliciously creamy French goat cheese.
Let’s take a break from cookie baking and switch things up with a nice crisp and refreshing salad! This is a recipe for one of my favorite go-to salads, it’s great because it can be made ahead if you want to pre-prep a lunch but the flavors are also versatile enough to please a crowd at your next party! It comes together very quickly with only a few ingredients including spinach, arugula, walnuts, apples, beets, and (my favorite part) French goat cheese! The recipe below calls for adding 1/2 cup of Petit Billy French goat cheese but honestly when I make this for myself I like being a little more on the heavy handed side when I measure that part out.
Did you know that France is the no. 1 producer of goat’s milk cheese in Europe and even the world?! Like producing wine, the climate and geography have a significant impact on the final product for French Goat cheese too. The dairy farms in France are mainly located south of the Loire river because those regions have the optimal climate and geography for a goat’s diet. You may even notice that the flavor profiles from region to region within France shift slightly due to diets specific to each region. Next time you are out shopping, I challenge you to pick up a package of French goat cheese and give it a try! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to learn even more about French Goat Cheese :). 
As we head into the holidays with temptations and sweets all around us, it’s nice to have a healthy and balanced recipe in your back pocket. With this recipe, you’ll receive tons of nutrients from the spinach including fiber, Vitamin A, C, E, and K. The beets will give you an immune boosting punch of vitamin C. And the goat cheese will bring on healthy fats and nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium!
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Winter Spinach Salad with Petit Billy Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore, Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant winter salad with earthy beets, crisp apples, and creamy goat cheese. The simple balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh spinach
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh arugula
- 3 small beets
- 1 medium green apple
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) walnuts
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Petit Billy Goat Cheese crumbled
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach and arugula; set aside.
- Peel beets and chop into quarter-sized pieces.
- Place a medium pot 3/4 full with water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add chopped beets and cook until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain beets and set aside.
- Chop apple into quarter-sized pieces (similar in shape and size to the chopped beets).
- Roughly chop walnuts.
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add beets, apples, and walnuts to the large bowl with the spinach and arugula. Toss to combine.
- Add crumbled goat cheese.
- Drizzle dressing on top.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, roast the beets instead of boiling them for a deeper, earthier taste. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after chopping.
- If you don’t have Petit Billy Goat Cheese, another creamy goat cheese will work, or try feta for a tangier alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the Petit Billy goat cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use another creamy goat cheese or even a feta if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile of the salad.
Should I roast the beets before adding them to the salad?
Roasting the beets enhances their sweetness and flavor, but you can also use pre-cooked or canned beets for convenience.
What type of apples work best in this winter spinach salad?
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are great choices as they add a nice crunch and balance the flavors in the salad.
