A refreshing blend of crisp Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts, this salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It's perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find this salad incredibly easy to prepare, yet it feels fresh and exciting every time I make it. The Honeycrisp apples add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, while the feta brings in a creamy, slightly salty contrast. I often add walnuts for a nutty crunch, and the dried cranberries bring in a touch of tartness and sweetness that balances everything perfectly. The homemade dressing is simple but adds just the right zing with the apple cider vinegar and honey, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. It’s a salad that works great as a standalone lunch or as a side dish to just about any main course.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed greens)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, I combine the mixed salad greens, sliced apples, feta cheese, walnuts (if using), and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
- I drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- I serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad more filling.
- Cheese alternatives: If I don’t have feta on hand, goat cheese or blue cheese works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Nuts and seeds: I love experimenting with different nuts. I could use almonds, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I typically store the salad components separately to keep everything fresh. I store the salad greens, apples, and any extras like walnuts or cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing can be kept in a separate jar. When I’m ready to eat, I simply toss everything together and add the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?
Yes, I’ve made this with Granny Smith apples before, and they add a nice tartness. I can try other apple varieties, but Honeycrisp apples give a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
I don’t recommend assembling the salad ahead of time, as the apples might brown and the greens can wilt. However, I can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
If I want a thicker dressing, I can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt to the mix. This will help emulsify the dressing and create a creamier texture.
Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?
Yes, I can use other oils like avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil, though olive oil gives the best flavor in this salad.
How long will the salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but if I store the components separately, they should last for 2-3 days. However, the dressing will last up to a week in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a light, vibrant, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Whether I’m enjoying it as a quick lunch or serving it as a side dish for dinner, it’s always a hit. The combination of fresh apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, paired with a simple yet tangy dressing, makes for a truly satisfying and refreshing salad.
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed greens)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced apples, feta cheese, walnuts (if using), and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor.
- Try other nuts like almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
- Store salad components separately to keep fresh if not serving immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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