Description

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for fall. Featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, toasted pecans, and a flavorful apple cider vinaigrette, this salad combines sweet, savory, and crunchy textures for a delightful eating experience. Ideal as a light main course or a festive side, it brings seasonal flavors to your table with minimal prep and no cooking required.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) on top of the salad base to add texture and flavor.
Prepare dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently and carefully to coat all the ingredients without making the salad soggy.
Garnish: Add pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves on top for extra color, flavor, and a festive touch, if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course to enjoy seasonal fall flavors.

Notes

For added crunch, substitute pecans with walnuts or add toasted almonds.
Pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds are optional but provide great texture and additional nutrients.
To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped up to a few hours ahead without dressing.
Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option; however, this affects the sweetness and flavor slightly.