Description

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly combines the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the creamy tang of feta cheese, toasted pecans, and a medley of seasonal ingredients. Tossed in a honey-Dijon vinaigrette, it is an ideal light meal or side dish to celebrate fall flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Additions

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries, creating the flavorful foundation of the salad.
Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds over the salad for a delightful texture and taste contrast.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure the greens and toppings are lightly coated without becoming soggy.
Garnish: Finish the salad by topping it with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves, adding bursts of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Notes

To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
For a nut-free version, omit pecans and pumpkin seeds.
Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option; adjust the diet label accordingly if doing so.
Serve the salad immediately after tossing to prevent the greens from wilting.
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for fall dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Autumn salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, feta cheese salad, fall recipes, mixed greens salad, healthy salad, seasonal salad, apple salad with nuts