Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
A vibrant and crisp Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad that celebrates the flavors of fall with sweet Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, fresh mixed greens, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and red onion, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad is quick to prepare, healthy, and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking / Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2–3 Honeycrisp apples, washed, cored and thinly sliced or chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix), rinsed and dried
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and core 2-3 Honeycrisp apples, then slice them thinly or chop into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful gets that irresistible crunch.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast a half cup of walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Greens and Onion: Rinse and dry 4 cups of mixed greens, then thinly slice half a red onion for a mild, zesty kick to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the greens, sliced apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries (about a quarter cup), and red onion slices.
- Add the Feta and Dressing: Crumble ½ cup of feta cheese over the top, then drizzle with ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens or apples.
Notes
- Choose the freshest Honeycrisp apples: Look for firm, blemish-free fruit to ensure crispness.
- Don’t overdress the salad: Add vinaigrette gradually to prevent sogginess.
- Toast nuts carefully: Keep an eye on them while toasting to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Use a sharp knife: Thin apple slices look prettier and blend better with other textures.
- Prepare just before serving: To maintain crispness, especially if making ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of salad)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Autumn salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, Feta salad, Fall salad, Healthy salad, Fresh salad, Mixed greens salad