Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a vibrant mix of crisp apples, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a refreshing side or a light main course that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

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, turkey, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
• Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor.
• Use maple syrup in the vinaigrette or add sliced grapes or pear to boost sweetness.
• For extra crunch, use candied nuts or sprinkle with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Storage

Store the salad ingredients separately: keep mixed greens, apple slices (tossed with lemon juice), and toppings in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated in a jar for up to a week—shake well before using. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for best freshness. Freezing is not recommended.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prep the ingredients separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What apples can I use instead of Honeycrisp?

Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are great alternatives. Choose any crisp, sweet-tart variety that holds up well in salads.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 88 reviews

A refreshing Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad featuring crisp, juicy apples, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and dried cranberries tossed with a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. This vibrant and nutritious salad is perfect as a light lunch, dinner side, or a colorful holiday dish.

• Author: Elena
• 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 black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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 thinly sliced red onion if using.
3. Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine and coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately as a vibrant side dish or a light, refreshing main course to enjoy the crisp texture and fresh flavors.

Notes

• Use lemon juice on the apple slices if preparing ahead to prevent browning.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas to increase protein and make it more filling.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free feta and replace honey with maple syrup in the vinaigrette.
• Dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
• Store components separately if making in advance to maintain freshness.

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