If you’re craving a salad that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of tartness, the Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish brings together tender baby spinach, creamy brie, crisp apple slices, juicy raspberries, and crunchy pecans, all harmonized by a luscious raspberry jam vinaigrette. It’s an inviting and colorful salad that elevates simple ingredients into an elegant, unforgettable experience — ideal for a light lunch, a stunning starter, or even a cozy dinner treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a blue border is filled with dark green leaves that have a shiny texture, coated with a reddish-brown dressing. The leaves are layered loosely, showing their veins and some small stems, giving a fresh and slightly wet look. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe is straightforward because each component plays a special role in delivering fresh, balanced flavors and textures. From the silky brie to the fresh raspberries, every item adds a unique note to the final dish.

60 g baby spinach leaves: Provides a tender, leafy, and slightly earthy base that’s packed with nutrients.
80 g brie cheese: Adds creamy richness and subtle buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
1 apple: Offers crispness and a refreshing sweetness that brightens the salad.
3 tbsp raspberry jam: Creates a naturally sweet and slightly tangy dressing component.
2 tbsp olive oil: Brings a silky mouthfeel and smooths out the vinaigrette.
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and depth, enhancing all the flavors.
1/3 tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
50 g pecans: Adds a welcome crunch and nutty warmth.
10 raspberries: Fresh fruit bursts that introduce a vibrant color and juicy tartness.

How to Make Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Base

Start by gently rinsing the baby spinach leaves and patting them dry. Laying down the fresh spinach creates the perfect leafy bed that will soak up the flavors of your dressing and support the toppings beautifully.

Step 2: Slice the Apple and Brie

Core the apple and slice it into thin, crisp rounds or wedges — whichever you prefer for presentation. Then, cut the brie cheese into small chunks or thin slices to ensure each bite delivers that creamy richness without overwhelming the salad.

Step 3: Roast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

Lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice their aroma intensify, and the gentle roast will add an irresistible crunch and bring out a deeper nutty flavor.

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the raspberry jam, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt until smooth. This dressing is the secret star — its sweetness and tang give the salad a lively lift and tie every ingredient together.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer the baby spinach, arrange the apple slices and brie pieces on top, scatter the toasted pecans, and gently tuck in the fresh raspberries. Drizzle your raspberry vinaigrette over everything just before serving for the freshest taste.

How to Serve Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe

A white bowl with blue edging holds a colorful salad. The bottom layer is green leafy spinach. On top of that are thin apple slices arranged in small fanned-out stacks, showing their light pinkish skin and creamy flesh. Bright red raspberries are scattered evenly over the salad. Small cubes of white cheese are placed throughout, along with whole and chopped dark brown pecans. The bowl sits on a crocheted beige cloth over a wooden table, with a glass jar of pecans and whole apples in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves like mint or basil over the top. These herbs add a refreshing fragrance and a pop of color that pairs seamlessly with the berries and brie.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a light soup such as butternut squash or tomato basil. The bread helps scoop up any remaining dressing, while a warming soup makes the meal more substantial.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in clear glass bowls or on rustic wooden boards to highlight its vibrant colors. For a party, build mini salad cups in endive leaves or small mason jars, making bite-sized servings as charming as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container and refrigerate the spinach, apples, brie, raspberries, and pecans in another. Combine just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you could freeze the raspberry jam vinaigrette in an ice cube tray, then thaw and whisk it when ready to use. Avoid freezing the salad itself, as fresh spinach and fruit lose their texture after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want warm pecans, toast them lightly again before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brie cheese for another cheese?

Absolutely! While brie’s creamy texture is perfect here, you can experiment with goat cheese or camembert for a similar softness and tang. Feta would offer a more crumbly and salty twist.

What type of apple works best in this salad?

Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady. They maintain their crunch and add a refreshing zing that’s essential in this salad.

Is it okay to use dried raspberries instead of fresh?

Fresh raspberries bring juiciness and bright flavor, which dried ones can’t fully replicate. If you only have dried, rehydrate them briefly in water, but fresh is definitely best when you can get it.

Can I make the vinaigrette without raspberry jam?

Yes, you can substitute raspberry jam with a mix of fresh mashed raspberries and a little honey or sugar to achieve similar sweetness and fruitiness, but the jam gives the dressing a lovely, smooth consistency.

How long does the Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe stay fresh after assembly?

Once assembled and dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 2 hours to keep the spinach crisp and the apples from browning. If you must wait longer, keep components separate and dress right before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe — it’s colorful, flavorful, and wonderfully balanced every time. Whether you’re treating yourself to a nutritious lunch or impressing guests at a gathering, this salad promises both simplicity and elegance in every bite. Give it a try and discover how a handful of well-chosen ingredients can create a memorable, delicious meal.

Apple Brie Salad with Raspberries and Pecans Recipe