Name: Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I Love How This Salad Brings Together The Best Of Fall—Sweet Apples, Toasted Nuts, And A Zesty Vinaigrette That Ties Everything Together. It’s A Salad That’s Light But Satisfying, Perfect For Lunch Or As A Festive Side At A Holiday Meal. I Can Easily Customize It With My Favorite Nuts, Seeds, Or Cheeses, And It Comes Together In Just Minutes. It’s Simple, Vibrant, And Full Of Flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

For The Salad:

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

I Start By Combining The Mixed Greens, Sliced Honeycrisp Apple, Red Onion, And Dried Cranberries In A Large Salad Bowl.
Then I Sprinkle The Crumbled Feta Cheese, Toasted Pecans, And Pumpkin Seeds (If Using) Evenly Over The Greens.
In A Small Bowl Or Jar, I Whisk Together The Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Salt, And Pepper Until The Dressing Is Well Emulsified.
I Drizzle The Dressing Over The Salad And Toss Everything Gently Until The Ingredients Are Lightly Coated—Not Soaked.
For An Extra Layer Of Flavor And Color, I Top The Salad With Pomegranate Seeds And Fresh Thyme Leaves Before Serving.
I Serve It Immediately While The Apples Are Crisp And The Greens Are Fresh.

Servings And Timing

This Recipe Makes 4 Servings And Is Ready In Just 15 Minutes. It’s A Quick And Easy Option For A Healthy Lunch Or An Elegant Addition To A Fall Dinner Table.

Variations

I Sometimes Swap Feta With Goat Cheese Or Blue Cheese For A Creamier Or Stronger Flavor.
Walnuts Or Almonds Work Beautifully In Place Of Pecans. I Make Sure To Toast Them First For Best Flavor.
For A Fruity Twist, I Add Sliced Pears Or Orange Segments Along With The Apples.
I Use Kale Or Romaine If I Want A Heartier Salad Base.
If I Want More Protein, I Top It With Grilled Chicken, Turkey, Or Even Chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

Since This Is A Fresh Salad, I Prefer To Store The Ingredients Separately If I’m Making It Ahead. The Greens, Apples, Cheese, And Nuts Keep Well In Airtight Containers In The Fridge For Up To 2 Days. I Store The Dressing In A Jar And Only Toss The Salad Right Before Serving. Once Dressed, I Try To Eat It Immediately To Avoid Sogginess—It Doesn’t Hold Up Well For Reheating.

FAQs

Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I Often Prep All The Ingredients Ahead And Store Them Separately. I Slice The Apples Just Before Serving To Keep Them From Browning.

What Apples Work Best Besides Honeycrisp?

I Love Honeycrisp For Its Crunch And Sweetness, But Fuji, Pink Lady, Or Gala Also Work Well.

How Do I Toast The Pecans?

I Toast Them In A Dry Skillet Over Medium Heat For 3–4 Minutes, Stirring Frequently Until Fragrant. I Let Them Cool Before Adding Them To The Salad.

Can I Make The Dressing In Advance?

Absolutely. I Usually Make A Double Batch And Store It In A Sealed Jar In The Fridge For Up To A Week.

What Can I Serve With This Salad?

It Pairs Well With Roasted Chicken, Butternut Squash Soup, Or A Warm Grain Bowl. I Also Like It As A Starter For Holiday Meals.

Conclusion

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Is Everything I Want In A Seasonal Dish—It’s Fresh, Colorful, And Full Of Fall Flavor. Whether I’m Serving It At A Holiday Table Or Packing It For A Light Lunch, It Always Hits The Right Notes. With Just A Handful Of Ingredients And A Quick Dressing, It Comes Together Fast But Tastes Like Something Special.