Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad – 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Fall Favorite
When the leaves start to turn golden and the crisp air of fall sets in, nothing feels more comforting than gathering around the table with a salad that tastes like autumn in every bite. I still remember the first time I tossed together a Honeycrisp apple with tangy feta cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans the combination was magic. The sweet crunch of the apple against the creamy cheese reminded me of cozy family dinners after apple-picking trips. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad isn’t just a side dish, it’s the kind of recipe that makes fall meals memorable.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until smooth and emulsified.
- In a large bowl, add mixed greens. Top with sliced Honeycrisp apple, crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately while the greens are fresh and crisp. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
This salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The Honeycrisp apple adds natural sweetness and crunch, while the feta brings a salty tang. Dried cranberries add a pop of tart chewiness, and toasted pecans bring nutty warmth. The simple apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
- Quick and easy: ready in 10 minutes.
- Perfectly balanced: sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy.
- Versatile: serve as a holiday starter, weeknight dinner side, or light lunch.
- Naturally festive: a beautiful dish for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings.
Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this fall-perfect salad:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
| Mixed greens | 5 oz (about 5 cups) | Baby spinach, arugula, or kale also work. |
| Honeycrisp apple | 1 large, thinly sliced | Substitute Pink Lady or Fuji if needed. |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup, crumbled | Goat cheese or blue cheese for a twist. |
| Pecans | ¼ cup, toasted & chopped | Walnuts or almonds as alternatives. |
| Dried cranberries | ¼ cup | Try dried cherries or raisins for variety. |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | Base for the vinaigrette. |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp | Adds tang and seasonal flavor. |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | Helps emulsify the vinaigrette. |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Maple syrup is a great seasonal swap. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Always adjust to preference. |
How to make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Prepare the vinaigrette – In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shake or whisk until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad – In a large serving bowl, layer mixed greens as the base. Top with thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Dress and toss – Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently to coat, making sure every bite has a little bit of everything.
- Serve immediately – The greens stay crisp and the apples fresh when dressed right before serving.
How to serve this autumn salad
This salad shines as a starter for cozy fall dinners or as a light main dish with grilled chicken or salmon. For Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, plate it in a rustic wooden bowl for a seasonal touch. Add roasted butternut squash cubes for a hearty twist, or scatter in pomegranate arils for a jewel-like holiday version. Pair it with crusty bread and a bowl of soup for a cozy weeknight meal.
Secrets to the perfect Honeycrisp salad
- Slice apples right before serving to keep them from browning, or dip them lightly in lemon water.
- Toast pecans for extra depth of flavor just 5 minutes in a dry skillet enhances their nuttiness.
- Chill the vinaigrette before tossing for a refreshing bite.
- For meal prep, store components separately and dress just before eating.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overdressing the salad: too much vinaigrette will weigh down the greens. Start light and add more as needed.
- Skipping the toasting step: raw pecans don’t bring out the same depth as toasted ones.
- Using mealy apples: stick with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for the best crisp bite.
- Making too far in advance: dressed greens wilt quickly always wait until serving time.
Storage and reheating tips
- Greens and toppings: Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Vinaigrette: Keep refrigerated in a jar for up to 1 week. Shake before using.
- Leftover dressed salad: Best enjoyed within 12 hours, as the greens lose crispness.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Fridge (undressed) | 2 days | Store apples separately to avoid browning. |
| Vinaigrette (fridge) | 7 days | Shake well before using. |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Fresh greens and apples don’t freeze well. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the greens, apples, and dressing separate until serving to keep it fresh.
What other cheese works besides feta?
Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan pair beautifully with apples.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely swap the honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based cheese.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss slices in a mix of lemon juice and water to keep them fresh.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Try grilled chicken, salmon, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian boost.
Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is the definition of cozy fall eating crisp apples, tangy cheese, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans all tossed in a golden apple cider vinaigrette. It’s quick, seasonal, and beautiful enough for a holiday table. Save this recipe to bring a burst of autumn flavor to your weeknight dinners or festive gatherings and don’t forget to share it with friends who love easy seasonal recipes.
