Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy fresh, crisp apples. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the savory creaminess of feta cheese. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fall flavors.

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This recipe is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish for gatherings. The mix of textures and tastes makes it not just healthy but also satisfying.

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

A vibrant salad combining the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with creamy feta and a variety of textures, perfect for any autumn gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 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) Substitute with walnuts if desired.
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional) Can be skipped if not available.
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  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.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
  2. Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping the dressing separate to maintain crispness.

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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, ensuring 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.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad recipe

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light main dish on its own. It also makes a great addition to any potluck or holiday meal, bringing a splash of color and flavor to your table.

How to Store Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to save it for later, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. This helps prevent the greens from becoming soggy.

Tips to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

  • Use fresh apples for the best taste.
  • Toast your nuts to enhance their flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add other fruits, nuts, or cheeses.

Variation

You can change this salad by using different types of cheese, like goat cheese or blue cheese. You can also swap the nuts for almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Additionally, adding grilled chicken or quinoa can turn this salad into a heartier meal.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use other apples, but Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet and crisp texture that works wonderfully in this salad.

What if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?

If pomegranate seeds are not available, you can skip them or substitute with additional dried cranberries or chopped apples for extra sweetness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It is best to prepare the salad shortly before serving. If you need to make it ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep everything fresh.