Description
This fresh and zesty Apple and Feta Salad offers a delightful combination of crisp apples, tangy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all drizzled with a homemade honey apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this salad is both refreshing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 medium-sized apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Build the salad base: Place the mixed salad greens in a large salad bowl as the foundation of the salad.
- Add the apples: Layer the thinly sliced apples evenly over the bed of mixed greens for a crisp and sweet contrast.
- Incorporate the feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese across the salad to add a creamy and tangy element.
- Add texture and sweetness: Scatter the roughly chopped walnuts and dried cranberries over the salad to provide crunch and bursts of sweetness.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared honey apple cider dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Add optional lemon juice: If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad to brighten and enhance the flavors.
- Toss gently: Carefully toss the salad ingredients together until everything is lightly coated with the dressing, ensuring even distribution without bruising the ingredients.
- Serve: Present the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best taste, use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Toasting walnuts slightly enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust honey quantity in dressing for desired sweetness.
- The salad is best served fresh; dress just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Optional lemon juice adds a bright citrus note but can be omitted.
