When the air turns crisp and apples are at their peak, a Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad brings those autumn flavors straight to your table. The crunch of sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, the creaminess of feta, and the earthy bite of toasted pecans create a refreshing balance. Tossed with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s light enough for lunch yet festive enough to share at a holiday gathering. For a seasonal twist, many home cooks also enjoy calling it a Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Every bite of this salad tastes like autumn on a plate. Each bite offers a mix of crunchy apples, creamy feta, and chewy cranberries, all brightened with a zesty homemade dressing. In addition, it’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and pairs well with hearty mains. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish delivers fresh flavor without fuss.
Ingredients for Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Pantry & Fresh for Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix) | 6 cups |
| Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced | 1 large |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Pecans, toasted | 1/3 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 1/4 cup |
| Pomegranate seeds (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | 1/4 medium |
| Pumpkin seeds (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Substitutions for Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Goat cheese or blue cheese can easily replace feta for a sharper bite. Walnuts or almonds bring different nutty notes if you don’t have pecans. Moreover, maple syrup or agave can stand in for honey to keep things vegan. Kale or romaine makes a sturdier green base, and thin slices of pear or orange add another layer of fall sweetness.
Step-by-Step Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Making this salad is straightforward and takes only a few steps. Follow these for a crisp and flavorful result.
- Build the Salad Base
Add mixed greens, apple slices, onion, and cranberries to a large bowl.
- Add Toppings for Extra Flavor
Sprinkle with feta, toasted pecans, and optional pumpkin seeds.
- Whisk the Apple Cider Dressing
In a small jar, whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss and Finish the Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss gently, and top with pomegranate seeds.
Pro Tips for Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them with a splash of lemon juice if prepping ahead. In addition, toast nuts in a dry skillet for richer flavor and extra crunch. Always dress the salad lightly at first—you can add more as needed without sogging the greens. Finally, keep a little dressing aside for those who like an extra drizzle.
Harvest Salad Variations
For a gluten-free twist, serve the salad with cooked quinoa for added protein. Dairy-free eaters can swap feta with cashew cheese or skip it entirely. A vegan version works beautifully with maple syrup in the dressing. To make it budget-friendly, use regular red apples and sunflower seeds. For a hearty protein boost, grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted chickpeas round it out as a full meal.
Serve It With
This Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or a warm butternut squash soup. It’s also lovely alongside fresh bread, herbed couscous, or a simple grain pilaf.
Storage & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping dressing separate when possible. Apples may brown, so prep them fresh if making ahead. According to the USDA Food Safety Guide, chilled salads with dressing should be consumed within two days. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Nutrition
Each serving offers about 290 calories, with 20g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, 4g of fiber, and 7g of protein. For more balanced meal planning, see the FDA Nutrition Resources. This salad is light yet satisfying, rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
FAQs
Yes, the crisp sweetness of apples balances beautifully with the salty tang of feta. This pairing works well in salads, flatbreads, and even grain bowls because the contrast highlights both flavors without overpowering.
Honeycrisp apples are usually ready in early to mid-fall. Twist the apple gently upward; if it comes off easily with its stem, it’s ripe. For food safety and best storage practices, check resources like the USDA Apple Harvest Guide.
Store the greens, fruit, and nuts in a covered container for up to 2 days, but keep dressing in a separate jar. This prevents soggy leaves and preserves texture. Apples are best sliced fresh to maintain their crunch.
Feta salads shine with a balance of fresh greens, juicy fruit, nuts, and a simple vinaigrette. Ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, or roasted vegetables also work. The salty feta brings everything together with creaminess.
More Like This
If you enjoyed this salad, try What Does a Chicken Salad Contain, What Is a Greek Salad Made Of, Easy Healthy Salad Ideas, and Cucumber Mint Soup for more refreshing recipes. For additional healthy eating inspiration, check NIH Healthy Eating Research.
PrintHoneycrisp Apple Feta Salad Recipoe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crisp and colorful Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad with greens, cranberries, pecans, and apple cider vinaigrette, the perfect fall side or light meal.
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 toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Layer the mixed greens, apple slices, onion, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Top with feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds if using.
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss gently, and finish with pomegranate seeds.
Notes
- Swap feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for variety.
- Use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
- Kale or romaine can be used instead of mixed greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin this Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad to your fall recipe board or bookmark it for holiday menus. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll come back to each season.