Get ready to fall completely in love with the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, a vibrant celebration of the coziest season in every bite! This salad brings together the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a zesty homemade dressing that makes every forkful exciting. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something fresh and colorful, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your autumn table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is how each fresh, wholesome ingredient adds its own burst of flavor and character. From the cool crunch of apples to the creamy bite of feta and the sweet-tart chew of cranberries, every part plays a delicious role.
- Honeycrisp apples (2, thinly sliced): Their signature crunch and balanced sweetness pair perfectly with savory and tangy flavors.
- Mixed greens or baby spinach (5 oz): Offer a tender, nutrient-rich base that soaks up all of the tasty dressing.
- Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Adds richness, a little tang, and beautifully balances the sweet notes.
- Dried cranberries (⅓ cup): Bring a chewiness and pop of bright color.
- Candied or toasted pecans (⅓ cup): Add irresistible crunch and a nutty sweetness.
- Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): A subtle sharpness that lingers and rounds out each bite.
- Pumpkin seeds (2 tablespoons, optional): For extra crunch and seasonal flair, sprinkle these on top.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Forms the silky base for the vibrant dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Delivers a tangy lift that brightens everything up.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the dressing with warm, floral undertones.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of depth and a gentle zing to the dressing.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the mix.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of gentle heat to finish the dressing.
How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by making the simple but high-impact dressing! In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk with enthusiasm until all the ingredients blend together into a creamy, slightly thickened gold. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples and red onion, crumble your feta cheese, and measure out the greens, dried cranberries, candied or toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds, if you’re using them. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembling the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad a breeze.
Step 3: Build the Salad Base
Add your mixed greens or baby spinach to a large salad bowl. Layer in the sliced apples, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. This gives you a beautiful blend of colors and textures and is a reminder that you truly eat with your eyes first!
Step 4: Sprinkle on Cranberries, Pecans, and Seeds
Now, scatter the dried cranberries and candied (or toasted) pecans over the bed of greens. If using, sprinkle pumpkin seeds as well for an extra nod to autumn flavors. These elements infuse sweet and nutty notes that make every forkful feel special.
Step 5: Drizzle and Toss
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything gently with large salad tongs or clean hands to coat every leaf and ingredient evenly. The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is ready to brighten your table!
How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Garnishes
A handful of extra crumbled feta, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a final sprinkle of pumpkin seeds can take the presentation of this salad to the next level. These little additions give your Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad extra color and character, making it even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this lively salad with crusty warm bread, a steaming bowl of seasonal soup, or a hearty grain dish like quinoa pilaf. It’s also sensational alongside roasted chicken or turkey, making it a gorgeous addition to holiday tables or Sunday suppers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad on a big platter for family style, or artfully arranged in individual shallow bowls for an elegant starter. For parties, you can even layer it in mason jars for a playful, portable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples may lose a little of their crispness, but the flavors will still be lovely. For best results, keep extra dressing on the side and toss just before eating.
Freezing
Salads with fresh greens, apples, and cheese don’t freeze well, as the water content causes wilting and undesirable textures. If you must save your salad long-term, freeze only the nuts and cranberries, then build a fresh salad when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you add grilled chicken or roasted squash as a topping, you can individually warm those elements before topping the chilled greens and apples.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While Honeycrisps are wonderfully crisp and sweet, you can swap in Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples if you prefer, or if that’s what you have on hand. Each will bring its own unique flair to the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
Is there a way to make the salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip it altogether. You’ll miss the creamy tang, but the salad still shines with all its other bright ingredients.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
You sure can! Slice your apples and onions and crumble your feta up to a few hours ahead. Store each separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Wait to toss everything with the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to keep apples from browning?
Toss your sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice before adding them to the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. This simple trick keeps the fruit looking fresh and beautiful for longer.
Could I turn this salad into a main dish?
Definitely! Add grilled or roasted chicken, lentils, or slices of roasted squash to bulk up the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad and turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad a chance to shine on your fall table! The flavors, colors, and textures come together in such a memorable way — it just might become your favorite cool-weather salad, too. Grab those apples and your prettiest bowl; you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Crisp Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together with a honey-Dijon dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced)
- 5 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup candied or toasted pecans
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, feta, cranberries, pecans, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try a balsamic glaze drizzle or swap goat cheese for feta.
- Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken or roasted squash for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
