Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Honeycrisp apple and feta salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with tangy feta and crunchy walnuts, making each bite a refreshing experience. I can’t help but make this salad during fall gatherings or casual dinners when I want something vibrant and delicious, yet easy to prepare. Its colorful presentation is sure to impress your guests while providing a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients. Honeycrisp apples are known for their incredible crunch and sweetness, making them the perfect base for this dish. The addition of feta cheese provides a savory contrast, while the candied walnuts add a sweet crunch that rounds out the flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner side or a show-stopping dish for a holiday gathering, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s not only budget-friendly but also a great way to sneak in some greens.

"I made this salad for a family gathering, and everyone raved about it! The combination of flavors is simply outstanding." – A satisfied home chef.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this Honeycrisp apple and feta salad is a breeze. You’ll find it comes together in just a few simple steps. Start by prepping your ingredients, then whisk together the dressing, mix your greens and toppings, and finish by tossing it all with the dressing right before serving. The assembly is straightforward, ensuring that fresh flavors remain vibrant and unspotted.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula is a great optional addition)
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced without peeling)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup candied walnuts

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute mixed greens for spinach or kale, and switch out feta for goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep Ingredients: Start by washing and drying your greens thoroughly to ensure they’re crisp. Then, slice the Honeycrisp apples and red onion thinly.
2. Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended and adjust to your taste preferences.
3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer your greens, apple slices, feta cheese, cranberries, red onion, and candied walnuts, creating a colorful mix.
4. Dress and Serve: Add the dressing just before serving; this keeps your greens fresh and crisp. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Best Way to Serve

Serving this salad can be as creative as you want it to be! For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or quinoa to add protein. If it’s a side dish, serve it alongside roasted meats or a hearty main, like a lemon herb baked fish. Place the salad in a large, beautifully arranged bowl to offer guests a vibrant, inviting appearance.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate from the salad to maintain the crispness of the greens. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Always practice safe food handling; do not leave the salad at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Expert Advice

To elevate this dish even further, consider toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. This will amplify the flavor and add an extra layer of warmth. Additionally, if you’d like to cut down on prep time, you can buy pre-sliced apples or packaged salad greens!

Creative Twists

Feel free to mix up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider adding slices of pear for a different sweetness, swapping feta for blue cheese for a bolder flavor, or including pomegranate seeds for additional texture and a pop of color. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, this salad is already meat-free, but you can also enhance it with some cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

Preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick project perfect for any occasion.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and texture, you can swap them out for Fuji or Gala apples for a similar crunch and flavor.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based option that mimics the creamy, tangy aspect of feta.

This Honeycrisp apple and feta salad is a sure win-win! Indulge in its delightful flavors and enjoy sharing it with your loved ones.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing salad combining Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for fall gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula optional)
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup candied walnuts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for dressing)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for dressing)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for dressing)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry the greens thoroughly. Slice the Honeycrisp apples and red onion thinly.
2. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended.
3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer greens, apple slices, feta cheese, cranberries, red onion, and candied walnuts.
4. Dress and Serve: Add dressing just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider toasting the walnuts. For a vegan option, omit feta or use a plant-based substitute.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking Required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: salad, apple salad, feta salad, fall recipe, healthy salad