Zesty Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe for Fresh Eats

Crisp autumn days call for a delightful honeycrisp apple and feta salad that bursts with refreshing flavors and textures.

This vibrant salad combines sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Juicy honeycrisp apples add a delicate crunch to every bite.

Creamy feta cheese provides a rich, salty contrast that perfectly complements the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Toasted nuts and a light vinaigrette enhance the salad’s depth and complexity.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top bring a bright, aromatic finish to this simple yet elegant dish.

Prepare to elevate your meal with this irresistible combination of seasonal ingredients.

Steps To Make Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Crisp

• Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

Grab a small bowl and mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and tweak the flavors to make them pop.

• Create Your Colorful Salad Base

Scatter mixed greens in a large bowl. Sprinkle crisp Honeycrisp apple slices, crumbly feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries or bright pomegranate seeds. Add thin red onion rings for an extra kick.

• Bring It All Together

Right before serving, drizzle the tangy vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss everything so each bite gets coated with delicious dressing.

• Enjoy Immediately

Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side or light meal. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors will make your taste buds dance.

Smart Tips For Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad

• Crisp Apple Selection: Choose firm, unblemished Honeycrisp apples at peak ripeness for the best flavor and texture. Look for apples with a bright red and yellow exterior and minimal bruising.
• Nut Toasting Trick: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the vinaigrette and chop ingredients separately up to 4 hours in advance. Keep apples from browning by tossing them in a little lemon juice, and store components separately in the refrigerator until serving time.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crumbled plant-based protein for extra nutrition and substance. Great for quick lunch or dinner options.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute feta cheese with roasted sunflower seeds or dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or almond-based cheese crumbles to make the salad vegan-friendly and equally delicious.

How To Serve Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad

• Crisp Lunch Companion: Pack this salad in a mason jar with dressing at bottom, greens and toppings layered separately to keep everything fresh for a gorgeous midday meal.
• Elegant Dinner Starter: Beautifully plate the salad on a white dish, garnish with extra feta crumbles and a drizzle of vinaigrette for an impressive appetizer that wows dinner guests.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken breast, sliced salmon, or seared shrimp to transform this light salad into a hearty and nutritious main course that satisfies hunger.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the salad's tangy and sweet notes with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling that enhances the flavors of apple, feta, and honey mustard vinaigrette.

Storage Tips For Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar, greens in a crisp container, and sliced apples in a separate sealed bag with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Advance Prep Hack: Chop ingredients up to 24 hours before serving. Mix walnuts, dried cranberries, and onions separately. Slice apples just before assembling to retain crispness and prevent oxidation.
• Smart Leftover Management: Consume dressed salad within 2 hours for optimal taste and texture. Undressed salad ingredients can stay refrigerated for 3-4 days. Refresh nuts and dried fruits before serving to restore crunchiness.
• Temperature Tip: Serve salad slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. Remove components from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor profiles and soften ingredients slightly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients In Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend flavors and creates silky texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, tangy element that adds zesty punch to the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances acidity and brings gentle warmth.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that emulsifies dressing and provides subtle kick.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and heightens other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and aromatic complexity.

• Mixed Greens: Fresh, crisp foundation providing nutritional variety and textural interest.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crunchy component that introduces mild pungent undertone.
• Honeycrisp Apple: Crisp, sweet fruit with excellent juiciness and vibrant color.
• Dried Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds: Burst of tart sweetness and jewel-like visual appeal.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that adds tangy richness.
• Walnuts: Toasted nuts bringing earthy crunch and heart-healthy proteins.

Tools You’ll Need For Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad

• Whisk or Small Jar: Perfect for mixing and emulsifying the vinaigrette smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing and arranging all salad ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing apples and chopping any additional ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise apple and onion slicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning vinaigrette ingredients.

Crisp Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Honeycrisp apple and feta salad offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired blend of crisp apples, tangy cheese, and fresh herbs. Sweet and savory notes dance together, creating a light meal perfect for summer gatherings you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) toasted walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Preparation: Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste for a perfectly balanced dressing.
2. Salad Assembly: Layer mixed greens in a spacious bowl, creating a lush green foundation for the remaining ingredients.
3. Flavor Layering: Arrange Honeycrisp apple slices across the greens, then generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Optional: Add thinly sliced red onion for an extra flavor dimension.
4. Final Touches: Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated and harmoniously blended.
5. Serving: Present immediately to maintain the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavor profile, ideal as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Slice Apples Strategically: Cut Honeycrisp apples just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Balance Vinaigrette Carefully: Adjust honey and vinegar ratio to complement apple’s natural sweetness without overpowering other ingredients.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Add nuts and dried fruits right before serving to maintain crunch and prevent moisture absorption.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily swap feta with plant-based cheese for vegan version or remove nuts for nut-free option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg