Fresh Honeycrisp Apple & Feta Salad Recipe: Sweet Crunch Combo

Summer’s warmth calls for a refreshing crisp honeycrisp apple and feta salad that dances with vibrant flavors.

Juicy apples mingle with creamy feta cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Crisp greens provide a perfect backdrop for this delightful combination.

Tangy vinaigrette weaves through the ingredients, brightening every bite.

Sweet and savory notes play together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Crunchy nuts add a delightful unexpected twist to the salad.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side that impresses at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Total Time: 0 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Starts Here

• Mixed Greens: Fresh, crisp foundation that provides a nutrient-packed backdrop for the vibrant ingredients.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Sweet-tart variety with incredible crunch, perfect for adding bright flavor and texture.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing coolness and subtle hydration to the salad's overall composition.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty element that introduces a mild bite and beautiful color contrast.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly Mediterranean cheese that brings a rich, salty dimension.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart jewels that provide bursts of concentrated fruity flavor.

• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nutty elements that deliver earthy warmth and satisfying crispness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy base that helps blend flavors and create silky texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Complex, slightly sweet acid that brightens and balances the entire dish.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile with gentle warmth.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and harmonizes all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dressing's overall taste.

Tools That Make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Easy

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Perfect for whisking together the dressing ingredients.
• Dry Skillet: Essential for toasting nuts to bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Whisk: Great tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing apples, cucumber, and red onion with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Toss Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad in Just Minutes

• Slice Fresh Ingredients

Quickly chop crisp Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges. Thinly slice cucumber and red onion for bright, crunchy texture. Quickly toast pecans in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.

• Build Colorful Base

Layer mixed greens in a spacious bowl. Arrange apple slices, cucumber, and red onion across the greens. Crumble feta cheese generously over the top. Scatter dried cranberries for a sweet burst.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small container. Sprinkle salt and pepper to balance flavors. Whisk until ingredients create a smooth, glossy mixture.

• Finish and Enjoy

Drizzle dressing over salad, tossing gently to coat every ingredient. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for delightful crunch. Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and vibrant.

Tips for Flavor Balance in Apple and Feta Salad

• Swap toasted pecans or walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.
• Prep salad ingredients separately and store in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to keep greens crisp and fresh.
• Add grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or chickpeas to transform this salad into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Replace feta with dairy-free almond cheese or crispy tofu crumbles. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it completely plant-based.
• During autumn, try using Fuji or Gala apples for similar sweet-tart flavor. In summer, add fresh berries for a vibrant color and additional sweetness.

Serve Apple Feta Salad for Lunches or Gatherings

• Festive Lunch Companion: Pair this vibrant salad with grilled chicken or roasted turkey for a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Elegant Starter Plate: Serve small portions as an appetizer during dinner parties, garnishing with extra feta crumbles and a drizzle of honey for sophistication.
• Picnic Perfect Option: Pack the dressing separately and assemble the salad just before eating to maintain crisp ingredients and prevent soggy greens during outdoor dining adventures.
• Wine and Cheese Sidekick: Complement the salad with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the tangy feta and sweet apple notes.

Chill Apple Feta Salad for Crisp Texture

• Keep salad ingredients in separate sealed containers to maintain freshness. Apples stay crisp in the vegetable drawer, while feta and greens are best stored in airtight compartments.
• Prepare dressing and chop ingredients up to 24 hours before serving. Keep nuts separate and add just before serving to maintain their crunch. Refrigerate components individually to prevent soggy greens.
• Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Store undressed salad mix in the refrigerator, keeping dressing in a separate sealed container. Avoid freezing, as greens and cucumber will lose their crisp texture.
• Use small containers to pack individual salad servings for quick lunches. Separate wet and dry ingredients until ready to eat, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing wilting of delicate greens.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the type of cheese in this salad?

Yes, you can replace feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Both offer a similar tangy taste that complements the sweet Honeycrisp apples.

• Are Honeycrisp apples necessary for this recipe?

While Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet and crisp texture, you can use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples as alternatives. Each apple variety will slightly change the salad’s overall taste.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from mixed greens, fresh apples, and nuts. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and provides a good balance of vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, sliced almonds, or chickpeas to increase the protein content. These additions will transform the salad from a side dish to a complete, satisfying meal.

Crisp Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad blends sweet and tangy flavors from fresh ingredients. Crisp apples, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (960 ml) mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) walnuts or pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Salad Preparation: Layer mixed greens in a spacious serving bowl, creating a verdant base for the vibrant ingredients.
2. Fruit and Vegetable Composition: Slice Honeycrisp apples into thin wedges, dice cucumber and red onion with precision, then artfully arrange these elements atop the greens for a visually appealing presentation.
3. Cheese Integration: Generously crumble feta across the salad, allowing its creamy texture to contrast with the crisp vegetables and fresh greens.
4. Nut Toasting: In a dry skillet, gently toast pecans or walnuts until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown color, infusing the salad with depth and crunch.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small container until the mixture achieves a smooth, well-integrated consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to balance sweet and tangy notes.
6. Final Assembly: Delicately drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated without being saturated. Scatter the toasted nuts on top as a final flourish, adding textural complexity and nutty undertones to the dish.

Notes

• Slice Apples Uniformly: Cut Honeycrisp apples into thin, consistent wedges for even texture and professional presentation that ensures every bite tastes and looks perfect.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch nuts closely during toasting to prevent burning, moving them constantly in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant, enhancing their rich flavor without scorching.
• Balance Dressing Proportions: Whisk dressing ingredients gradually, tasting and adjusting sweet-tangy balance to complement salad ingredients without overpowering delicate flavors like feta and fresh greens.
• Serve Immediately: Prepare salad just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy, preserving the vibrant, fresh quality of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg