Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors. Crisp apples, creamy feta, and toasted nuts come together with a honey mustard vinaigrette to create a refreshing dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup (40g) toasted walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, apple slices, crumbled feta, toasted nuts, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion if using.
3. Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish or a light, refreshing main course.

Tips & Variations

• Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
• Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
• Boost sweetness by using maple syrup in the vinaigrette or adding sliced grapes or pear.
• For extra crunch, use candied nuts or sprinkle sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top.

Storage

Store the salad components separately in the refrigerator for best freshness. Keep mixed greens, apples (tossed with lemon juice), and toppings up to 2 days. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated in a jar for up to a week; shake before using. Avoid freezing as the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

What apples can I use instead of Honeycrisp?

Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are great substitutes—choose any crisp, sweet-tart variety for the best taste and texture.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combining crisp apples, creamy feta, crunchy nuts, and mixed greens tossed in a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. Perfect as a light main course or a flavorful side dish for any season, especially holidays.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup (40g) toasted walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance sweetness and tang.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion slices if using.
3. Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors as a vibrant side dish or a light main course for lunch or dinner.

Notes

• Use Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples as alternatives if Honeycrisp is unavailable.
• To make it vegan, substitute feta with dairy-free cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, chickpeas, roasted tofu, or quinoa to make it more filling.
• Switch feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor variations.
• Sprinkle candied nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
• Store salad components separately to keep freshness up to 2 days; do not freeze.
• Dressing stores refrigerated for up to one week; shake well before use.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, feta cheese salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, crunchy apple salad, autumn salad