This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of apples, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the crunch of walnuts, all balanced by a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect option for a light lunch or a side dish to complement any meal. With its combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this salad is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how easy it is to throw together this salad, yet it feels fresh and exciting every time I make it. The Honeycrisp apples add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, while the feta brings in a creamy, slightly salty contrast. I often add walnuts for a nutty crunch, and the dried cranberries bring in a touch of tartness and sweetness that balances everything perfectly. The homemade dressing is simple but adds just the right zing with the apple cider vinegar and honey, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. It’s a salad that works great as a standalone lunch or as a side dish to just about any main course!
Ingredients
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed greens)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced apples, feta cheese, walnuts (if using), and dried cranberries.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add protein: For a heartier meal, I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad more filling.
Cheese alternatives: If I don’t have feta on hand, goat cheese or blue cheese works wonderfully as a substitute.
Nuts and seeds: I love experimenting with different nuts. You could use almonds, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I typically store the salad components separately to keep everything fresh. I store the salad greens, apples, and any extras like walnuts or cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing can be kept in a separate jar. When I’m ready to eat, I simply toss everything together and add the dressing.
Related Recipes:
- Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad
- Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried
- Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Strawberries
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?
Yes, I’ve made this with Granny Smith apples before, and they add a nice tartness. You can try other apple varieties, but Honeycrisp apples give a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
I don’t recommend assembling the salad ahead of time, as the apples might brown and the greens can wilt. However, I can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
If I want a thicker dressing, I can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt to the mix. This will help emulsify the dressing and create a creamier texture.
Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?
Yes, I can use other oils like avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil, though olive oil gives the best flavor in this salad.
How long will the salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but if I store the components separately, they should last for 2-3 days. However, the dressing will last up to a week in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a light, vibrant, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Whether I’m enjoying it as a quick lunch or serving it as a side dish for dinner, it’s always a hit. The combination of fresh apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, paired with a simple yet tangy dressing, makes for a truly satisfying and refreshing salad.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant, and quick-to-make dish that combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a healthy side salad, this apple and feta salad recipe balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors in every bite. Ideal for fall gatherings, weekday meals, or healthy holiday sides.
Ingredients
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed greens)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta, walnuts (if using), and dried cranberries.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For added protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Swap feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Try pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
To make ahead, store salad components and dressing separately to maintain freshness.
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt to thicken the dressing if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal
