Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad is a vibrant mix of crisp apples, tangy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed with a simple honey apple cider dressing. It’s a refreshing and easy salad perfect for a light lunch or a bright side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well blended.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Step 4: Toss gently to evenly coat everything with the dressing.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add thinly sliced red onion or cucumber for extra crunch and zing.
- Use a mixture of greens like arugula or spinach for varied texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss just before serving to keep the apples and greens fresh. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated if desired without the dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties instead of Honeycrisp?
Yes, crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work well. Honeycrisp is preferred for its sweet-tart balance and firm texture.
How can I make the dressing thicker?
Whisking in a small amount of Dijon mustard or using a bit more honey can help thicken the dressing slightly while adding extra flavor.
PrintHoneycrisp Apple Feta Salad Recipe
A refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad featuring crisp apples, tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a light honey apple cider vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens
Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared honey apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as preferred to enhance the salad’s flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also work.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Toast walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness; apples may brown if left too long.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as a light standalone meal.
Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, apple feta salad, walnut cranberry salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, fresh apple salad
