Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

A delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is the perfect seasonal dish. Combining crisp apples, creamy feta, and an assortment of complementary flavors, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal and Fresh: Highlighting the best flavors of fall, this salad features crisp Honeycrisp apples, a perfect representation of autumn.
• Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner party side dish.
• Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the apples and honey balances the tanginess of the feta and vinaigrette for a harmonious bite.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with various mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or greens to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Honeycrisp apples
• Feta cheese
• Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or kale)
• Candied pecans or walnuts
• Dried cranberries
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples. Crumble the feta cheese and set it aside. Thinly slice the red onion.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, red onion, dried cranberries, and candied pecans.
4. Add the Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
5. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas for a more filling salad.
• Swap the Nuts: Use almonds, hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds instead of candied pecans.
• Change the Cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese can be substituted for feta for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit Options: Pears or pomegranate arils are great additions or substitutes for Honeycrisp apples.
• Leafy Greens: Experiment with a mix of greens like romaine, butter lettuce, or even cabbage.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the greens.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. However, you can serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.

2. What are the best apples for this salad if I can’t find Honeycrisp?

You can use Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples as substitutes for Honeycrisp.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional toppings (like candied nuts) are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make the dressing sweeter?

Absolutely! Add more honey to the dressing for a sweeter taste.

5. How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

6. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, a quality apple cider vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing works well as a shortcut.

7. Can I use dried apricots instead of cranberries?

Yes, dried apricots or raisins make excellent substitutions for dried cranberries.

8. How do I make the salad more hearty?

Add grains like quinoa, farro, or barley for a more substantial dish.

9. Can I use vegan feta?

Certainly! Vegan feta or a similar plant-based cheese works well for a dairy-free version.

10. What can I pair this salad with?

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a bowl of butternut squash soup.

Conclusion

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that captures the essence of fall. Perfect for gatherings, quick meals, or as a vibrant side dish, this salad will quickly become a favorite. With endless customization options and its fresh, balanced flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy this seasonal delight!

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