Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Tired of salads that feel more like side dishes than showstoppers? Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a fresh, colorful recipe that captures everything we love about fall crisp apples, creamy feta, roasted nuts, and a bright maple vinaigrette that ties it all together.

At dishfoody.com, I love creating seasonal salads that balance texture, taste, and nourishment. This one is an absolute favorite easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and beautiful enough for your holiday table.

In this post, find out why this salad works, pro prep tips, dressing ideas, and how to serve it for any occasion.

Why This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe Works

• Combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors for incredible balance.
• Uses budget-friendly autumn produce that’s fresh, colorful, and wholesome.
• Perfect as a light meal, refreshing side, or vibrant holiday dish.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Best Apples for This Recipe

Honeycrisp apples are the star here naturally sweet, crisp, and juicy. If unavailable, try Fuji or Pink Lady, both firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.

Greens That Make the Base Shine

A mix of baby spinach and arugula offers mild earthiness and peppery freshness. For heartier texture, add chopped kale or spring greens.

Substitutions

Swap feta with goat cheese for extra creaminess or use walnuts instead of pecans. Dried cranberries can replace pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart alternative.

Ingredients & Prep for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Salad Essentials

You’ll need:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced thin
• 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)

Maple Vinaigrette Dressing

Whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Tips

Slice apples just before serving to preserve crispness and color. Toss them in a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Pre-Assembly Prep for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Wash and thoroughly dry greens. Chop nuts or crumble feta and prepare all toppings so the salad can be quickly assembled before serving.

Assembly Method for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Layer greens in a serving bowl. Arrange apple slices over the top, sprinkle with feta, nuts, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with maple vinaigrette and toss gently before serving.

Doneness Check for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

While not a cooked dish, the ideal texture balance is key greens fresh and crisp, apples juicy, and feta evenly distributed.

Resting for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Dress the salad just before serving to retain crunch and freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Avoiding Soggy Greens

Use a salad spinner to remove moisture after washing greens. Add dressing only when ready to eat.

Tool Recommendations

A sharp knife for even apple slices and a glass mixing bowl for the vinaigrette make prep easier.

Storage & Reheating

Store undressed salad components in airtight containers up to 3 days. Shake vinaigrette before reuse to recombine.

Flavor Variations for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle hot honey over the top for warmth.

Keto/Paleo

Skip maple syrup and fruit; opt for avocado, toasted almonds, and extra greens.

Global Flavors

• Mediterranean: Add olives, roasted chickpeas, and lemon dressing.
• Middle Eastern: Sprinkle za’atar and substitute pomegranate molasses for maple.

Serving Suggestions for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Serve alongside roast chicken, baked salmon, or grilled vegetables. For festive gatherings, present it on a wooden board with rustic bread and extra dressing on the side.

FAQs for Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes prep ingredients but assemble only before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I use bottled dressing?
Homemade dressing is healthier and fresher, but light balsamic vinaigrette is a suitable alternative.

Can I turn this into a main dish?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty entree.

Conclusion

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad a crisp, creamy, and tangy dish that’s both elegant and nutritious. Join thousands at dishfoody.com discovering seasonal recipes that bring comfort, creativity, and connection to every meal. Want to keep cooking with flavor? Try our Bloody Beet and Goat Cheese Salad next for your savory fix!

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Print Recipe

A crisp, colorful fall salad featuring sweet Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic dressing the perfect balance of sweet and savory autumn flavors.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup candied or toasted pecans
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
• 2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• 3. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
• 4. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
• 5. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add roasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts.
• Replace feta with goat cheese for a creamier flavor.
• To make it a full meal, top with grilled chicken or salmon.
• Dressing can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Autumn Harvest Salad, Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad, fall salad recipe, healthy lunch