Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a vibrant, refreshing salad that hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy? This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is exactly what you need. Crisp apples, creamy feta, crunchy nuts, and a simple honey mustard vinaigrette come together in a colorful dish perfect for a light lunch or flavorful side.
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
- Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to create the honey mustard vinaigrette.
- 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.
- Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish or light, refreshing main course.
Tips & Variations
- Add protein like grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
- Swap the feta for goat cheese or blue cheese to change the flavor profile.
- Boost sweetness by using maple syrup in the dressing or adding sliced grapes or pear.
- For extra crunch, try candied nuts or sprinkle sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top.
Storage
Store unassembled salad ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 2 days—toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep the dressing refrigerated in a jar for up to one week; shake well before using. This salad is best served fresh and is not recommended for freezing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What apples can I use instead of Honeycrisp?
Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are great alternatives. Choose any crisp, sweet-tart apple that holds up well in salads.
Print
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a simple honey mustard vinaigrette. Ideal as a light lunch, a colorful side dish for any meal, or a festive holiday salad.
Ingredients
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
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens first, then add the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion slices if using.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat without bruising the delicate greens and apples.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately as a colorful, refreshing side dish or a light main course that delights with its contrasting textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, chickpeas, roasted tofu, or quinoa.
- Try swapping feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor variations.
- To increase sweetness, use maple syrup instead of honey or add sliced grapes or pears.
- Enhance crunch by using candied nuts or sprinkling sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Store salad components separately to keep them fresh; dress just before serving.
- Not recommended to freeze this salad to preserve freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, feta salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, mixed greens salad, healthy apple salad, nut and apple salad, light lunch salad, vegetarian salad
