why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fresh, and bright. It pairs sweet Honeycrisp apples with salty feta and crunchy candied walnuts. You can make it in 10 minutes. It works for a light lunch, a side dish, or a simple dinner. If you like easy fresh recipes, you may also enjoy a warm dish like baked feta eggs with tomatoes and spinach to serve with it.
introduction
The Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad mixes crisp fruit, soft cheese, and chewy dried cranberries. A simple honey and apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together. The salad feels fresh and special but uses common grocery items. You can change some parts to match what you have at home.
how to make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Follow these easy steps and keep ingredients ready. Work fast so the apple stays crisp. Toss the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
Ingredients :
For the Salad:, 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula optional), 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced (do not peel)), 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/3 cup candied walnuts, For the Dressing:, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry greens if not pre-washed. Thinly slice apples and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, feta, cranberries, red onion, and walnuts.
Dress and Serve: Add dressing just before serving and toss gently.
how to serve Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Serve on plates or a large platter. Add the dressing right before you eat. For a fuller meal, serve with grilled chicken or warm bread. The salad also works well beside roasted vegetables or a simple soup.
how to store Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Store salad components separately for best results. Keep greens and apples in airtight containers in the fridge. Store dressing in a jar with a lid. Once dressed, eat within a few hours so the greens do not get soggy.
tips to make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Use Honeycrisp apples for the best crunch and sweet-tart flavor.
- Do not dress the salad until just before serving.
- Slice apples thin so they mix easily with greens.
- Taste the dressing and add more honey or vinegar if you like it sweeter or tangier.
- Use candied walnuts or toast plain walnuts with a little sugar if you prefer.
variation (if any)
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier bite.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts.
- Add sliced pear instead of apple for a different sweetness.
- Add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different apple?
A: Yes. Fuji or Gala work, but Honeycrisp has the best crunch and balance.
Q: How long will the dressing last?
A: Keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to one week. Shake before use.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Prep ingredients ahead, but do not dress the salad until ready to serve.
Q: Are candied walnuts necessary?
A: No. They add sweet crunch, but plain toasted walnuts also work well.
Conclusion
This salad is quick, fresh, and simple to make. It fits busy days and small gatherings. For another take on Honeycrisp apple salads and ideas, see Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad on Half Baked Harvest.
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula optional)
- 2 large 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced, do not peel)
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup candied walnuts
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and dry greens if not pre-washed. Thinly slice apples and red onion.
Make Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Assemble Salad
- In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, feta, cranberries, red onion, and walnuts.
Dress and Serve
- Add dressing just before serving and toss gently.