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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Salad Assembly: Layer mixed greens in a spacious bowl, creating a lush green foundation for the remaining ingredients.
- 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.
- Final Touches: Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated and harmoniously blended.
- 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
- Cook Time: 0 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