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This vibrant Honeycrisp apple feta salad has become my go-to for adding a taste of fall to any meal. It is light yet satisfying with tangy feta and the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries. The salad comes together quickly for a weeknight side and looks stunning on any holiday spread.
The first time I made this salad I used apples freshly picked from a local orchard and it truly made the flavor pop. Now it is my family’s most requested fall side dish especially when we want something both healthy and festive.
Ingredients
- Honeycrisp apples: Lend juicy crunch and natural sweetness that makes each bite refreshing. Choose apples with bright skin and firm texture for the best flavor.
- Feta cheese: Brings a creamy tangy note and pairs perfectly with fruit. Look for feta stored in brine for extra creaminess.
- Walnuts: Add a deep nutty crunch and can be toasted for even more flavor. Select whole raw walnuts and chop just before using.
- Dried cranberries: Give little bursts of tartness to balance the dish. Opt for unsweetened or naturally sweetened versions if you can find them.
- Mixed greens: Create a fresh base and let all the toppings shine. Use a mix of peppery arugula and mild lettuces for texture contrast.
- Olive oil: Forms a rich base for the dressing. Use extra virgin olive oil for the most robust flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives a bright tangy lift in the dressing. Raw unfiltered varieties provide extra depth.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and pulls all the flavors together. Choose local honey for best taste.
- Salt and pepper: Heighten all the other ingredients. Use flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if available.
Instructions
- Make the Salad Base:
- Combine the mixed greens in a large bowl so you have plenty of space for tossing. Add thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples for crispness then sprinkle crumbled feta walnuts and dried cranberries evenly over the greens. Distribute everything so you see each topping in every portion.
- Whisk the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil apple cider vinegar and honey until they emulsify and look slightly creamy. Taste and adjust with more honey if you want extra sweetness or more vinegar for sharpness.
- Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Use clean hands or salad tongs to toss everything just enough to coat the greens and mix the toppings. Be gentle to avoid bruising the apples.
- Season and Serve:
- Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper to taste adjusting each to balance the sweetness and brightness of the salad. Serve immediately while the apples are crisp and the greens are fresh.
My favorite part of this salad is the sweetness from Honeycrisp apples. I always remember my kids racing to pick them at the orchard and those fresh apples turn this simple salad into something special. The walnuts were always something my grandmother insisted on and they bring a cozy richness to each bite.
Storage Tips
If you need to make the salad ahead store the greens toppings and dressing separately. Combine just before serving to keep everything crisp. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to one day but the apples will start to lose some of their crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap feta with goat cheese for a tangier bite or use blue cheese for extra boldness. Pecans or sliced almonds stand in for walnuts if needed. Use dried cherries or golden raisins if you do not have cranberries on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a starter for a holiday meal or pair it with roasted chicken for a balanced dinner. For more protein add grilled chicken salmon or even chickpeas. A hearty slice of multigrain bread alongside makes it a light lunch.
This salad is a celebration of fall in a bowl: bright fresh and so easy to share. Make it for a holiday or any cozy dinner and watch it disappear fast.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute another type of apple?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala, but Honeycrisp offers an ideal balance of sweetness and crunch.
- → How can I make this salad nut-free?
Feel free to omit the walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch.
- → What protein can I add for a complete meal?
Grilled chicken or salmon are excellent additions that pair well with the salad’s sweet and tangy flavors.
- → Is it possible to make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Whisk the dressing ingredients in advance and store refrigerated for up to three days. Shake before use.
- → How do I prevent apples from browning?
Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad to help keep them crisp and fresh-looking.