This Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad brings together the best flavors of autumn in one crisp, refreshing dish. Sweet Honeycrisp apples pair beautifully with tangy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and fresh mixed greens, all tossed in a light homemade vinaigrette. It’s colorful, seasonal, and the perfect way to brighten up your fall table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fall flavors—crisp apples, earthy nuts, and creamy feta.
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 15 minutes.
- A healthy yet satisfying side dish for any meal.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or weekday dinners.
- Naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, red onion, cranberries, and nuts.
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad just before serving.
- Toss gently and sprinkle with crumbled feta.
- Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Swap Honeycrisp apples for Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier bite.
- Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for extra fall flair.
- Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- For protein, top with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Store salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separately in a jar and add before serving.
- If making ahead for guests, slice apples last and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a balanced dinner.
- Pair with creamy soups like butternut squash or cauliflower cheddar.
- Add crusty bread or garlic knots for a heartier meal.
- A perfect starter for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Yes, a balsamic vinaigrette works well, though homemade tastes fresher.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, swap feta with a vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I add grains to make it more filling?
Absolutely! Quinoa or farro blend beautifully with the fall flavors.
Ready to Try It?
This Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is crisp, colorful, and loaded with fall flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holidays. Save it, pin it, and make it part of your fall table, you’ll love how simple and delicious it is.
You Might Also Like
- Mushroom Risotto – Creamy, comforting rice with savory mushrooms.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash – A hearty, seasonal dish filled with flavor.
- Creamy Pumpkin Pasta – Cozy, rich pasta for fall nights.
- Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup – Warm and cheesy, perfect for chilly evenings.
Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines crisp apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and cranberries for a colorful seasonal dish.
Ingredients
2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Slice Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, red onion, cranberries, and nuts.
3. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour dressing over salad just before serving.
5. Toss gently and sprinkle with crumbled feta.
6. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
Notes
Slice apples last or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Add grains like quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg