If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors celebrating the best of fall, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe is the perfect balance of crisp, sweet Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, and a delightful medley of textures from candied pecans and dried cranberries. Every bite feels like a warm autumn day wrapped up in a bowl, offering a refreshing yet comforting dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a wholesome meal, this salad brings all the seasonal joy in each forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of textures and flavors, from the sweet crunch of apples to the salty creaminess of feta and the crunchy candied nuts that add just the right pop.
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced: Choose crisp, juicy apples for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach: These provide a fresh, leafy base to balance the hearty toppings.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy dimension that complements the sweet apples perfectly.
- â…“ cup dried cranberries: Offer bursts of chewy sweetness and vibrant color.
- â…“ cup candied pecans or walnuts: Bring an irresistible crunch and caramelized flavor.
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle bite and sharpness that brightens the salad.
- Optional – ½ cup cooked and cooled quinoa or roasted butternut squash cubes: For extra heartiness and a touch of savory balance.
- For the apple cider vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil: The rich base that brings all the flavors together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and enhances the autumnal vibe of the salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances acidity perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.
How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing and thinly slicing your Honeycrisp apples and red onion. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens or baby spinach with the sliced apples, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and candied pecans or walnuts. If you’re adding quinoa or roasted butternut squash cubes for a more filling salad, toss those in now. This layering of fresh, crisp, and sweet ingredients is what makes the salad feel alive and inviting.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined and the dressing is slightly emulsified. The vinaigrette perfectly balances sweetness and tang, uplifting the entire salad without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over your prepared salad. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite has a little bit of dressing without sogging the greens. This step keeps the salad fresh and crisp while infusing it with that irresistible autumn dressing flavor.
Step 4: Serve Immediately for Maximum Freshness
For the best texture and flavor, serve the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe right away. The crisp apples and crunchy nuts are at their prime when fresh, giving you a delightful contrast to the creamy feta and tangy dressing.
How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra candied pecans or a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme on top for a beautiful finish and an added freshness that harmonizes with the bold flavors of the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken or turkey, turning it into a light yet satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic side dish alongside roasted pork or hearty autumn soups to brighten your plate and your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual mason jars or on a rustic wooden board with an array of cheeses and bread. It’s also lovely layered in clear bowls where the colorful ingredients shine through, making it as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate for best freshness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and add the vinaigrette just before serving to maintain crispness, especially of the apples and greens.
Freezing
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and flavor of the ingredients, particularly the apples and greens.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold and fresh, reheating is not applicable. However, if you added hearty cooked items like quinoa, you can gently warm those separately and toss them into a fresh batch of greens and apples for a cozy twist.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Honeycrisp apples with another variety?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples add the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, you can try Fuji or Pink Lady apples as alternatives. Just keep in mind that some varieties might be sweeter or softer.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To veganize this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe, simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What nuts work best if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts are a fantastic substitute for pecans, providing a similar texture and a slightly earthy flavor. Candied almonds are another tasty option if you want to mix things up.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The apple cider vinaigrette can be whisked together a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before drizzling it over your salad.
How long will the salad stay fresh after assembling?
For the best crunch and flavor, eat the salad within a few hours of tossing it with dressing. If left dressed for too long, the greens and apples might soften and lose their crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe has quickly become a top contender in my seasonal favorites list, and I’m confident it will brighten up your autumn meals as much as it has mine. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Give it a try at your next dinner or lunch — your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
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, Gluten Free
Description
A crisp and refreshing Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combining sweet and tangy flavors with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and candied nuts, all tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and nutritious fall meal or side.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- â…“ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: ½ cup cooked and cooled quinoa or roasted butternut squash cubes for heartiness
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, candied pecans or walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion. If you like, also add the cooked and cooled quinoa or roasted butternut squash cubes for added heartiness.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients just before serving. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture and best flavor experience.
Notes
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or turkey for a light, balanced meal.
- Swap crumbled feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture and tangy flavor.
- For a variation in fruit, use fresh pear slices instead of apples.
