The Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is the kind of dish that slips effortlessly into your menu and instantly elevates any meal. Crisp, juicy Honeycrisp apples mingle with creamy feta cheese, crunchy candied nuts, zippy red onions, and tart dried cranberries, all tossed over a bed of vibrant greens with a tangy-sweet homemade dressing. This salad is an irresistible medley of flavors and textures—fresh, bright, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or want a quick, satisfying lunch, this salad will win you over bite after bite.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is chosen for a reason, and together they create a beautiful harmony of taste, texture, and color. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of fresh staples that make each forkful unforgettable.

Honeycrisp apples: Their crispness and sweet-tart flavor make them the star of this salad; slice them thin for the perfect bite.
Mixed greens: A blend like arugula, spinach, or spring mix gives a tender, peppery base that balances the other bold flavors.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty punch that pairs beautifully with the apples and nuts.
Candied pecans or walnuts: A handful of chopped candied nuts brings crunch and a hint of sweetness; both work well, so use your favorite.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, crisp zing that keeps the salad lively without overpowering.
Dried cranberries: These chewy, tart gems add color and a pop of fruity flavor in every bite.
Olive oil: A quality extra-virgin olive oil forms the base for a lush, flavorful dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: This brings tang and brightness, perfectly complementing the sweet apples and honey.
Honey: Just a touch rounds out the dressing and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Dijon mustard: Adds body and a hint of sharpness, helping the dressing emulsify beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together in harmony.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by grabbing your largest salad bowl—this way, you’ll have plenty of space to toss everything together without making a mess. Add the mixed greens first, creating a fresh, fluffy bed for all the toppings to rest on. This not only makes the salad look gorgeous, but also ensures every serving gets a good mix of greens.

Step 2: Slice and Add the Honeycrisp Apples

Core your Honeycrisp apples, then slice them thinly for maximum crunch and juiciness in every bite. If you’re prepping ahead or want to keep the apples extra vibrant, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning before they go into the bowl.

Step 3: Layer on the Feta, Nuts, Onion, and Cranberries

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped candied nuts, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries over your greens and apples. Each ingredient adds its own color and flavor—salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty all in one beautiful pile.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This sweet-tangy dressing is the finishing touch that ties every component of your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad together.

Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Use salad tongs or two large forks to gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients get a light, even coating. Serve immediately so the greens stay crisp and the apples fresh.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Garnishes

For a special touch, scatter a few extra candied nuts or a handful of microgreens right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few pomegranate seeds can also add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a fabulous starter for a cozy fall meal or a light lunch on its own. Pair it with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, a crusty artisan bread, or even a simple grilled chicken breast for a complete, satisfying plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad in individual glass jars for picnics or parties, or arrange it on a large platter so guests can help themselves. For a festive look, layer the ingredients rather than tossing, and finish with an artful drizzle of dressing just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the salad tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. The greens may wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the fresh, crisp texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, as the greens and apples will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. Instead, try to make only as much as you’ll enjoy fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a quick toss to refresh and enjoy straight from the fridge or after letting it sit for a few minutes on the counter.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Honeycrisp apples with a different variety?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are prized for their crispness and balanced sweetness, you can use Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples if needed. Just choose a variety that stays firm and has a sweet-tart flavor.

Is there a vegan alternative for feta cheese?

Yes, you can swap in a plant-based feta or even use a mild, crumbly vegan cheese. The salad will still be delicious and maintain its creamy, tangy note.

What can I use instead of candied nuts?

If you prefer less sweetness, regular toasted pecans or walnuts work beautifully. For a nut-free option, try roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

The best trick is to toss your apple slices with a little lemon juice right after cutting. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing, especially if you’re prepping the salad ahead of time.

Can I add protein to make this a main course?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions that turn this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad into a hearty, filling meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the sweet crunch of apples and the tangy creaminess of feta that just feels like a celebration on your plate. I hope this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your salad rotation!

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combining sweet-tart apples, creamy feta, crunchy candied nuts, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped candied pecans or walnuts, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries.
Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Notes

Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Pears or goat cheese make great substitutions for apples and feta.
To prevent apples from browning, toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American