There’s something truly magical about fresh, sweet-tart apples paired with creamy feta, toasted nuts, and a zingy homemade vinaigrette. This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a bright, crisp, delightful dish that brings a pop of color and flavor to any table—whether you’re celebrating the harvest season or just need a quick, crowd-pleasing salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Freshness: Honeycrisp apples bring a perfect crisp bite and natural sweetness to every forkful.
- Creamy & Tangy: Feta crumbles add a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the salad into something truly irresistible.
- Quick & Effortless: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish—this dish impresses without stress!
- Endless Customization: Swap out nuts, dried fruit, or greens to suit any season or occasion with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad—each ingredient adds a unique layer, from the crunch of apples to the creamy cheese and pop of cranberries. Don’t overlook the vinaigrette: homemade dressing infuses everything with vibrant flavor and ties it all together.
- Mixed greens (4 cups): Spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach keep the salad light and full of tender texture—choose your favorite or combine a few for depth!
- Honeycrisp apples (2, thinly sliced): The centerpiece—crisp, juicy, and perfectly sweet-tart. Leave the skin on for color and extra crunch.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Adds saltiness and creamy richness. Use block feta for the best fresh flavor and texture.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (⅓ cup): A subtle nutty crunch makes every bite interesting—toast your nuts for deeper flavor.
- Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (¼ cup): These add a sweet, tangy burst and beautiful color contrast.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced, optional): For just a whisper of sharpness; soak briefly in cold water to mellow the bite, if desired.
- Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt & pepper (for vinaigrette): Whisked together, they make a lively dressing that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory.
Variations
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is endlessly adaptable! Switch things up based on what’s in your pantry, the season, or your mood—no need to play by strict salad rules here.
- Goat cheese instead of feta: Swap in creamy chèvre for subtle tang and extra lusciousness.
- Use pears instead of apples: Ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears offer a softer, sweeter twist.
- Add cooked grains: Toss in quinoa or farro for a heartier, protein-packed main dish salad.
- Try a different dressing: Homemade balsamic vinaigrette or a citrusy lemon poppyseed dressing both pair beautifully with the flavors here.
- Make it nut-free: Use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies.
How to Make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Step 1: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified and glossy, giving it a quick taste to adjust the balance as you like—this simple prep will make your salad sing.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Base
Layer your mixed greens into a large salad bowl or a serving platter, making a beautiful bed for all those toppings. Scatter the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples over the greens—they’re the showstopper both in flavor and looks!
Step 3: Add Toppings
Top your greens and apples with feta crumbles, toasted walnuts or pecans, and a shower of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. If you’re using red onion, tuck in those beautiful ribbons now—a little goes a long way for flavor and color.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle your homemade honey mustard vinaigrette across the salad just before serving, then gently toss everything together so each bite catches a bit of every flavor. Serve right away and let the compliments roll in—this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is best enjoyed fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Apple Slicing Secrets: Slice Honeycrisp apples just before assembling to prevent browning and maintain their brilliant crispness.
- Nuts with Extra Flavor: Give your walnuts or pecans a quick toast in a dry skillet—it intensifies their crunch and brings out rich, nutty aromas.
- Tame the Onion: If using red onion, briefly soak the slices in ice-cold water to mellow out their pungency without losing their color and crunch.
- Dressing at the Table: Wait to drizzle the vinaigrette until just before serving so your greens stay lively, not limp.
How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad with an extra handful of toasted nuts, a final dusting of crumbled feta, or a few fresh herb leaves like parsley or mint. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also makes the salad absolutely gorgeous in the bowl.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a side for roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty grain bowl. It’s also splendid alongside a bowl of soup (think butternut squash or tomato bisque) for a light but satisfying lunch or dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving the salad in individual mason jars or layered in clear glasses for a playful, portable twist. Or, create a stunning salad board with separate piles of toppings so guests can assemble their own perfect bite—it makes any gathering feel a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you anticipate leftovers, store the greens, apples, and toppings in one airtight container and keep the vinaigrette on the side. This keeps everything crisp and vibrant; simply combine just before enjoying your next meal.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a candidate for freezing—fresh apples and greens simply don’t thaw well and will lose their lovely texture. However, nuts or extra crumbled feta can be frozen separately if you happen to have surplus.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for this fresh, crisp salad. If serving leftovers, just give the apples a quick toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to revive their brightness and toss everything with the vinaigrette just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the greens, chop the apples (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning), and store all the components separately in airtight containers. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
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What other types of apples work in this salad?
While Honeycrisps are ideal for their crunch and balanced sweetness, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are all delicious alternatives. Just choose a variety that’s crisp and won’t brown too quickly.
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Is there a vegan version of Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad?
Yes! Swap in a vegan feta or crumbled almond-based cheese, choose maple syrup or agave in place of honey for the dressing, and you’ve got a plant-based, dairy-free delight.
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Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?
In a pinch, yes. However, homemade honey mustard vinaigrette takes just a minute and is so much brighter and better—truly worth the little extra effort!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that’s as pretty as it is delicious, you simply can’t go wrong with this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and seasons—simple, fresh, and truly satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and find just as much joy sharing it around your own table!
Print
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup (40 g) toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup (40 g) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 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
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Top with sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion, if using.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
