Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

autumn harvest honeycrisp apple and feta salad eve edited
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad 9

Why Make This Recipe

Every season brings its own bounty, and autumn is no exception. The crispness in the air and the vibrant hues of falling leaves make it the perfect time to celebrate fresh flavors. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad captures the essence of this beautiful season. The sweet, crunchy Honeycrisp apple pairs perfectly with the salty feta, while the nuts and cranberries add a delightful crunch. It’s a dish that not only pleases your palate but also fills your heart with warmth and joy.

How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

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

Directions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
  2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
  5. Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
  6. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

This salad can be a delightful side dish to accompany your main courses, or you can serve it as a light and healthy meal on its own. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner. The flavors also blend beautifully with hearty soups, making it a great addition to your autumn gatherings.

How to Store Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

To keep the salad fresh, store any leftover ingredients separately. Keep the mixed greens in a sealed container in the fridge to avoid wilting. You can store the dressing in a jar and mix it in before serving. If you’ve already combined everything, it’s best to eat it within a day for optimal freshness.

Tips to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality greens and fresh Honeycrisp apples will enhance the taste.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop your ingredients in advance. Just mix them right before serving to maintain crispiness.
  • Experiment with Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor and crunch.
  • Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to amp up the nutrition.
autumn harvest honeycrisp apple and feta salad eve
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad 10

Variation

Feel free to customize this salad by adding seasonal ingredients. You could toss in roasted sweet potatoes for extra warmth or use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture. A handful of sliced pears can also bring out the fall flavors beautifully!

FAQs

What makes Honeycrisp apples special for this salad?

Honeycrisp apples are known for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, along with a crisp texture. This delightful combination adds a refreshing crunch to the salad, making each bite a little celebration of fall.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve the salad fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting.

How do I store leftover salad?

To store leftover salad, place the greens, toppings, and dressing in separate containers. This way, you can keep everything fresh and combine them right before eating.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded cheddar can work beautifully in this salad, depending on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

I invite you to give the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad a try. It’s a dish filled with heartwarming flavors that remind us of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest and Medium for more recipes that bring comfort and joy to your kitchen. Enjoy making this delightful salad and let it fill your home with the essence of autumn!

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autumn harvest honeycrisp apple and feta salad eve edited

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad


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  • Author: CHAHD recipes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Sweet, crisp apples meet salty feta, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing for a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for the season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans (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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
  2. Sprinkle crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the top.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Top with pomegranate seeds and thyme leaves for garnish, if desired.
  6. Serve immediately as a side dish or light main meal.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier version. Store leftovers separately and enjoy within one day.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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