Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Introduction
Start your fall feast with a crisp Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad that sings with seasonal flavors. As the leaves turn golden, this salad brings together tart apples, creamy feta, and maple-kissed pecans for a dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Inspired by memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where food always told its own story, this recipe honors tradition while embracing simplicity perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Explore more heartwarming autumn recipes like my Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables or Cozy Pumpkin Soup if you’re craving cozy comfort.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toast the pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, then cool and chop.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Top the greens with sliced apples, feta, cranberries, and chopped pecans. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Crisp Autumn Salad
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration on a plate. Firstly, its vibrant textures crunchy apples, velvety feta, and toasted pecans create a symphony in every bite. Secondly, you can whip it up in 15 minutes flat, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute Thanksgiving gatherings. Plus, it’s easily customizable: swap pecans for walnuts or add dried cranberries for extra sweetness. Ultimately, this salad feels like a warm hug from autumn itself simple, hearty, and bursting with harvest goodness.
For more autumn inspirations, try my Ultimate Stuffed Acorn Squash to pair with this salad for a full fall feast.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients (serves 4):
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Soak apple slices in cold lemon water (1 tsp lemon juice + 1 cup water) for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
How to Make This Autumn Harvest Salad
Follow these simple steps to create this showstopper:
- Toast the pecans: Heat a skillet over medium. Toast pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Cool and chop.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss greens: Place mixed greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and gently toss.
- Assemble: Top greens with apple slices, feta, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
Suggestion: Layer flavors by adding roasted butternut squash cubes or pairing it with Sage Butter Pork Chops for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store this salad unstyled for maximum freshness. Keep greens, toppings, and dressing separate in airtight containers. Refrigerated, components last 3–4 days. Avoid freezing salad greens they turn soggy upon thawing. If you’ve pre-dressed the salad, eat it within 24 hours. For reviving leftovers, sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra crumbled feta. Need more make-ahead tricks? Discover my guide to Freezer-Friendly Fall Casseroles to streamline holiday cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different apple variety?
A: Absolutely! Granny Smith adds tang, while Gala offers mild sweetness. Honeycrisp balances both perfectly.
Q: How do I make this vegan?
A: Skip the feta or swap it with tofu-cashew crumbles. Use agave instead of honey maple syrup.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, by default. Just ensure all packaged ingredients (like cranberries) are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I add protein to turn it into a meal?
A: Absolutely. Top with grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas. Try it alongside my Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs for a protein boost.
Conclusion and CTA
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad captures autumn’s magic crisp, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re crafting a simple dinner salad or adding flair to your Thanksgiving spread, every bite whispers of cinnamon-scented kitchens and loved ones gathered close. Food is connection, as Grandma taught us. So go ahead chop, drizzle, savor, and share.
