Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Why Make This Recipe

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It combines the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the creaminess of feta cheese, the crunch of nuts, and the tartness of cranberries. This salad is perfect for fall gatherings or as a refreshing dish to enjoy any day of the week. It’s healthy, colorful, and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
5. Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
6. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

You can serve this salad as a side dish or a light main meal. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and makes a great addition to holiday dinners or potlucks. If you want to make it a heartier dish, consider adding sliced grilled chicken or quinoa.

How to Store Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens. Use the salad within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

• Toast the nuts for added flavor and crunch. This only takes a few minutes on the stove or in the oven.
• Mix up the greens! You can use any combination of greens you like.
• Add fresh herbs for a burst of flavor—basil or parsley work well too.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Variation

Feel free to customize this salad based on your tastes. You can swap out the feta for goat cheese or omit the nuts if you have nut allergies. Add in other seasonal fruits like pears or orange segments for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other types of apples. Just choose a sweet and crisp variety for the best flavor.

2. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can last about 1-2 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

A delightful mix of Honeycrisp apples, feta cheese, nuts, and cranberries, perfect for fall gatherings or as a refreshing dish any day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
• Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
• Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.

Serving

• Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.

Notes

Toast the nuts for added flavor and crunch. This takes only a few minutes on the stove or in the oven. Mix up the greens and add fresh herbs for additional flavor. Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey.

Keyword Apple Salad, Autumn Salad, Fall Salad, Feta Salad, Healthy Salad