A bright, crunchy salad that balances sweet Honeycrisp apples with tangy feta and crunchy walnuts. The apples snap with each bite, the feta adds a creamy, salty tang, and the dried cranberries give a chewy pop of sweetness. This salad comes together fast and feels fresh enough for lunch but pretty enough for guests. If you enjoy warm apple flavors, you might also like this caramelized maple Dijon roasted apples and carrots recipe for a cozy side.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 230 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Why Make This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
This salad is quick, colorful, and layered with textures. The Honeycrisp apples are crisp and floral. Feta brings a salty, creamy contrast. Walnuts add earthy crunch and the dried cranberries give a tart-sweet chew. The simple olive oil and balsamic dressing ties everything together without overpowering the fresh flavors. It’s great for busy weeknights, light lunches, or a bright side for dinner parties.
How to Make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
This recipe is hands-on and fast. Chop, toss, and serve. No cooking needed. Keep the dressing simple so the apples shine. Use chilled greens and apples to keep the salad crisp. Toss gently so the apples and feta stay intact.
Ingredients:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry the mixed greens. Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-size pieces. Crumble the feta if needed. Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces so they mix easily.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped Honeycrisp apples, feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Toss gently so the ingredients mix evenly.
Step 3: Cooking
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is glossy. There is no heat required for this recipe.
Step 4: Finishing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately so the apples stay crisp and the greens don’t wilt.
How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Serve this salad chilled. Plate it as a light starter or serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a grain bowl. For a brunch or holiday table, serve in a shallow bowl so the colorful ingredients show. Sprinkle extra walnuts or a dusting of cracked black pepper on top for presentation.
How to Store Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Undressed: Store components separately. Keep chopped apples in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice to slow browning for up to 1 day. Mixed greens and toppings store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Dressed: If you toss the salad with dressing, eat within 4–8 hours for best texture. Greens will soften overnight.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 day. Re-toss gently before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Choose ripe Honeycrisp apples for crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. They hold up well in salads.
- Dry the greens thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
- Toast the walnuts briefly in a dry skillet for 2 minutes to deepen their flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to chopped apples to slow browning without changing flavor.
- Taste the dressing before tossing and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
- Toss gently to keep feta from crumbling too finely and to preserve apple texture.
Delicious Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
- Cheese swap: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a softer or bolder flavor.
- Nut change: Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts for a different crunch.
- Fruit swap: Use pears or green apples if Honeycrisp are not available.
- Sweet-savory: Drizzle a teaspoon of honey into the dressing for extra sweetness, or add a pinch of mustard for sharper tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
A: Prepare components ahead—wash greens, chop apples, and store walnuts and feta separately. Keep the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. Combine and toss just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Q: How can I prevent the apples from browning?
A: Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice or a little of the dressing. Keep them chilled and combine them with the greens right before serving.
Q: Is there a substitute for feta if I’m lactose intolerant?
A: Try a dairy-free feta alternative or use toasted sunflower seeds for a salty texture. Firm tofu cubes seasoned with a bit of lemon and salt can also work.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes. Replace feta with a vegan feta or omit cheese and add extra nuts or seeds for richness. Use a maple-balsamic dressing for added sweetness without dairy.
Q: Will the dressing soak into the greens?
A: Light dressings with olive oil and balsamic seep into greens over time. To avoid sogginess, dress the salad just before serving and use only the amount of dressing needed to coat the leaves.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: The recipe makes about 4 side-salad servings or 2 hearty main-course servings if you add protein.
Conclusion
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is crisp, colorful, and easy to make. The flavors balance sweet, salty, and tangy with a variety of textures. It’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a pretty side. For another seasonal take that highlights apples, try this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for inspiration. Enjoy making this bright salad—it’s simple, fresh, and ready in minutes.
Print
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright, crunchy salad that balances sweet Honeycrisp apples with tangy feta and crunchy walnuts, perfect for lunch or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens. Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-size pieces. Crumble the feta if needed. Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped Honeycrisp apples, feta cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is glossy.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve chilled and add a squeeze of lemon juice to apples to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
