Preparation:

Step 1: Assemble the Salad
Start by preparing your salad base. In a large salad bowl, arrange 4 cups of baby spinach or mixed greens. The spinach provides a tender and nutrient-rich base, while the mixed greens add variety and texture. Feel free to choose whatever greens you enjoy most. Once your greens are set, move on to adding the toppings.

Step 2: Add the Apples
Thinly slice one apple (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), making sure to maintain uniform slices for even presentation and texture. Arrange the slices over the greens. The apple’s sweet and crisp nature brings balance to the other rich flavors in the salad.

Step 3: Add the Walnuts and Cranberries
Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of candied walnuts across the salad. Candied walnuts add a delightful sweetness and crunch, but if you prefer a less sweet option, toasted walnuts work just as well. Follow up by adding 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness and vibrant color.

Step 4: Crumble the Cheese
For the final touch on the salad itself, crumble 1/4 cup of goat cheese over the mixture. The creamy tang of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and walnuts. Alternatively, if you want a sharper, more tangy flavor, substitute the goat cheese with feta.

Step 5: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake the ingredients together until the vinaigrette is well emulsified. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements the apples and walnuts, while the Dijon mustard provides a touch of tang.