Description
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s perfect for celebrating fall flavors with a mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements, making it a refreshing and flavorful side dish or light meal.
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 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)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure that everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
- Garnish: Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal
Notes
- Cheese Alternatives: You can substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans if preferred.
- Fruit: Adding slices of pear or orange can enhance the fall flavors.
- Greens: Kale or romaine can be used if you prefer a different base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg