If you’re searching for a salad that tastes like autumn in a bowl, look no further than the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Crisp, juicy apples, tangy feta, sweet candied pecans, and hearty greens all come together in a celebration of the season’s best flavors. Tossed with a honey-apple cider vinaigrette, each bite is fresh, bright, and layered with texture, making this dish perfect for cozy gatherings or nourishing weekday lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is in its simple, fresh ingredients. Every component has a role to play, adding color, crunch, creaminess, or a pop of sweetness that makes this salad irresistible.
- Mixed baby greens: The foundation for our salad, offering a tender bite and vibrant color.
- Honeycrisp apples: Thinly sliced, these apples bring signature crunch and sweet-tart flavor that shines through every forkful.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy feta adds a delightful contrast to the fruit and nuts.
- Candied pecans: These provide a rich, sweet nuttiness and addictive crunch—make extra for snacking!
- Dried cranberries: Pops of tart which round out the flavors and add gorgeous autumn color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced and mild, red onion gives a sharp, savory edge and beautiful contrast.
- Pumpkin seeds: Little bursts of roasted flavor and crunch that echo the best parts of fall.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Acts as the savory backbone for our luscious vinaigrette.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing and echoes the apples’ flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Rounds out the vinaigrette with gentle spice and helps it emulsify.
- Salt and black pepper: Simply season your salad to perfection right before serving.
How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by giving your baby greens a rinse and spin, if needed, so they’re nice and crisp. Slice the Honeycrisp apples thinly—leaving the skins on for extra color and nutrition—and set them aside. Thinly slice your red onion, and measure out your cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Having everything prepped before you start mixing ensures the salad comes together in a snap.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, gently toss the mixed greens, apple slices, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans, dried cranberries, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Try to distribute the ingredients evenly so every bite features a little bit of everything—this is what makes the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad so harmonious and satisfying!
Step 3: Make the Honey-Cider Vinaigrette
In a small mixing bowl or a mason jar, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously, or shake with the lid on, until the dressing turns creamy and everything is fully combined. This sweet-tart vinaigrette perfectly complements the crisp apples and creamy feta.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over your salad just before serving. Using salad tongs, gently toss everything until the greens are lightly coated and each ingredient gets a touch of the dressing. Take care not to overdress or over-toss—especially if using delicate greens—to avoid wilting.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give the salad a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if desired. Serve immediately so the apples and greens stay at their crispest and brightest, bringing out the best of this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Garnishes
This salad is already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of extra pumpkin seeds or a handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) adds another layer of flavor and beauty. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of balsamic glaze is stunning against the apples and feta.
Side Dishes
The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad pairs fabulously with hearty fall dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or a warm butternut squash soup. For vegetarians, it’s wonderful with a chunk of crusty bread or alongside grain-based salads for an abundant, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or special occasions, portion the salad into individual glasses or bowls for a pretty, portable starter. You can also serve it family-style on a platter, fanning out the apple slices on top for a festive, eye-catching effect. The salad even works beautifully as a centerpiece on a buffet table during fall holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. While the salad will keep for a day, the apples and greens are best within a few hours of assembling—otherwise, they may lose their signature crunch. For maximum freshness, store the dressing separately and toss just before eating.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh greens, apples, and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The ingredients do not hold up well to freezing and thawing, as the textures will change and the produce can become soggy.
Reheating
Salads like this one are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If the salad has lost a bit of its chill in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take off the edge and bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different apple variety?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are the star for their crispness and sweet-tart profile, you can use Fuji, Gala, or even Granny Smith apples for a different flavor. Experiment with your favorites to put your own spin on the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for feta?
Yes, there are several brands of dairy-free feta-style cheese, or you could use a softly crumbled tofu with a sprinkle of salt for a similar effect. Goat cheese also works well for a different but equally delicious result, if you’re not strictly dairy-free.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The honey-cider vinaigrette for the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad can be made up to five days in advance. Store it in a jar in the fridge, and give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling on your salad.
What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, turkey, or even roasted salmon are all fantastic with this salad, making it a heartier lunch or dinner. For a vegetarian protein boost, toss in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas right before serving.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice immediately after slicing. This simple trick keeps your Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad looking as fresh and vibrant as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about the balance of flavors and textures in this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. It’s as beautiful on the table as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weekday meal or serving it at your next fall gathering, I promise you’ll love every bite. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your seasonal repertoire!
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Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for the fall season. Crisp apples, creamy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together with a tangy honey Dijon dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Mixed Baby Greens:
4 cups
Honeycrisp Apples (thinly sliced):
2
Feta Cheese (crumbled):
1/2 cup
Candied Pecans:
1/3 cup
Dried Cranberries:
1/4 cup
Red Onion (thinly sliced):
1/4 small
Pumpkin Seeds:
2 tablespoons
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Honey:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the baby greens, sliced apples, feta cheese, pecans, cranberries, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sliced pear.
- Goat cheese can be a tasty alternative to feta, and walnuts can be used instead of candied pecans.
- This salad complements grilled chicken or turkey beautifully for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
