Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines crisp, juicy apples with creamy feta and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch, a side salad, or a festive holiday meal.

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. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to make the honey mustard vinaigrette.
2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion if using.
3. Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the 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 grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Use maple syrup in the vinaigrette or add sliced grapes or pear to boost sweetness.
• Try candied nuts or sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil for an added flair.

Storage

Store the salad ingredients separately in the refrigerator: keep the mixed greens, apples (tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning), and toppings in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette refrigerated in a jar for up to one week—shake well before using. Avoid freezing this salad to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad and add the dressing 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 to maintain the salad’s balance of flavors and texture.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad featuring crisp mixed greens, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a zesty honey mustard vinaigrette. This salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal light lunch, side dish, or festive holiday option.

• Author: Ella
• 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 the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance sweetness and tang.
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 red onion slices if using.
3. Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the greens and toppings with the dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing and colorful side dish or a light main course. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• To keep apples from browning, toss slices in a little lemon juice before assembling if storing ingredients ahead.
• Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey in the dressing to make it vegan-friendly.
• Store salad components separately to preserve freshness; dress just before serving.
• Not recommended to freeze this salad to maintain crispness and texture.

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, feta cheese salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, healthy salad recipe, mixed greens salad, autumn salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe