Every autumn, I look forward to the vibrant colors and crisp air that signal the harvest season. There’s something magical about visiting local orchards and picking the juiciest apples straight from the trees. One particular fall day, I gathered a basket brimming with Honeycrisp apples, those perfect blends of sweet and tart. When I got home, I decided to create a salad that captured the essence of autumn, combining those apples with feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and a colorful mix of greens. This delightful dish quickly became a family favorite, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy the flavors of the season.
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that embodies the spirit of fall, this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is perfect. It combines sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent side dish for any meal or a light meal on its own. The mix of textures from the crunchy apples, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts adds variety and excitement. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can whip it up in no time!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with nutrients! With mixed greens as a base, it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. The Honeycrisp apples bring a refreshing sweetness, while the feta adds creaminess and tang. The pecans and pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch, and the dried cranberries lend a touch of tartness. Overall, it’s a delicious, wholesome dish that celebrates the flavors of fall.
How to make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
- Top with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.
Tips to make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- For the freshest taste, use high-quality olive oil and cider vinegar.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Try varying the cheese by using goat cheese or blue cheese if you prefer.
How to serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a hearty sandwich. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes, and watch it disappear quickly! You can also enjoy it on its own as a light and nutritious lunch.
How to store Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately from the salad. Combine the two when you’re ready to eat. The mixed greens and cut fruits can last for up to two days in the fridge. However, the apple may brown slightly over time, so it’s best to enjoy the salad shortly after making it.
Variation
Try adding cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad. You can also swap in different seasonal fruits like pears or figs, which complement the goat cheese beautifully.
FAQs About Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it’s best to toss it with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Is it okay to use other types of apples?
Absolutely! If Honeycrisp apples aren’t available, you can use any sweet and crisp apple variety, such as Fuji or Gala.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be excellent additions to make it a more filling meal.
How can I make this salad vegan?
You can omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative, and substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a fully vegan dressing.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
A vibrant salad featuring Honeycrisp apples, feta cheese, and a mix of nuts and greens, perfect for the fall season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
- Top with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.
Notes
For the freshest taste, use high-quality olive oil and cider vinegar. Toast the pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor. Try varying the cheese by using goat cheese or blue cheese if you prefer.
