Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful combination of crisp, sweet apples and tangy feta cheese, balanced with crunchy nuts and a honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s a fresh and vibrant salad perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.

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 black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Step 2: 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 if using.
3. Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
• Swap the feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier texture with a tangy touch.
• Use pomegranate seeds in place of dried cranberries for a juicy burst of flavor and vibrant color.
• Try adding sliced cucumber or avocado for more variety and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled as well. Assemble and toss the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. The salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties instead of Honeycrisp?

Yes, any crisp and slightly sweet apple like Fuji or Pink Lady works well, but Honeycrisp offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that complements the salad.

How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?

To keep the apples from browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This also adds a subtle zing that enhances the flavors.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 84 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, toasted nuts, and a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. Perfect as a light main course or an elegant side dish.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

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 the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and the thinly sliced red onion if using, layering them evenly.
3. Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are lightly coated without bruising the delicate greens or apples.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to preserve the crispness of the apples and greens. This salad makes a refreshing side dish or a light, flavorful main course.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness and crisp texture.
• Toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor and crunch.
• For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Adjust vinegar and honey quantities in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, feta cheese salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, mixed greens salad, fall salad recipe