Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Fall Recipe
Introduction
Autumn brings an abundance of crisp apples and earthy produce, making it the perfect season to enjoy a refreshing and vibrant salad. The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a celebration of fall’s best flavors combining sweet, juicy Honeycrisp apples with tangy feta, crunchy pecans, and a medley of vegetables, all tossed in a light homemade vinaigrette. This quick and crowd-pleasing salad strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it ideal for lunch, holiday tables, or as a bright side dish for cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
This recipe stands out for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors—crisp apples, creamy feta, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries. The sweet-tart flavor of Honeycrisp apples pairs beautifully with salty feta and a zingy vinaigrette, while toasted pecans and dried cranberries add seasonal warmth and depth. It’s a fresh, vibrant dish that makes any autumn meal feel special.
The Secret to a Standout Fall Salad
The key to this salad’s success is in the quality of its star ingredients: Honeycrisp apples for unmatched crunch and sweetness and a block of feta you can crumble yourself for the richest flavor. A simple DIY vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard ties everything together, while roasted butternut squash or roasted sweet potatoes are add-in options that take this salad to the next level.
How to Assemble the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Layer your greens on a large platter or toss them in a bowl. Top with thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, then sprinkle over crumbled feta, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving and gently toss so every bite is coated with fall flavor. For meal prep, keep the apples and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Tasty Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a centerpiece for a fall lunch, or pair it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a hearty squash soup. For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or roasted pumpkin seeds. This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made nut-free or vegan with easy swaps, so it’s a crowd-pleaser at any autumn gathering.
Nutritional Info & Servings
This recipe yields 4 generous side servings (or 2 meal-sized salads). Each serving (without add-in squash) offers about 220 calories, 5g protein, and plenty of fiber and antioxidants from produce and nuts. It’s a nutrient-rich option for clean, satisfying fall fare.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad (Recap)
A fresh mix of Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and cranberries makes this salad the ultimate taste of fall—easy, beautiful, and delicious for any occasion.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Prepare your vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Toast the pecans: Heat pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or on a platter, arrange the mixed greens. Layer with apple slices, crumbled feta, toasted pecans, red onions, and cranberries. Add roasted squash or sweet potato if using.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of autumn flavors!
Weekly Meal Planning
This salad is perfect for weekly meal prep—just keep the apples and dressing separate until serving for the freshest results. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to streamline your week: it will automatically add all salad ingredients (and any optional add-ins) to your smart shopping list and consolidate ingredients from all your planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Combines ingredient totals across multiple recipes for accurate shopping
- Sorts lists by grocery store sections for quicker trips
- Prevents accidental duplicates and forgotten items
- Makes meal prep for the week smooth and organized
Pro tip: If you’re making more than one recipe with apples or feta, schedule your meals on CookifyAI—so you’ll never run out or buy too much, and you reduce food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans/optional roasted veggies)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Enjoy the best flavors of fall in every forkful—simple, nourishing, and vibrant!
