Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Introduction

Few dishes capture the vibrant flavors and colors of fall quite like an Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Brimming with seasonal produce, this salad brings together crisp, sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, and crisp greens for a refreshing and satisfying bite. The varied textures and bright flavors make it perfect as an elegant starter or a light, nourishing meal you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Why This Harvest Salad Delivers Big Flavor

The magic of this salad lies in the combination of naturally sweet Honeycrisp apples with tangy feta cheese, roasted nuts, and a medley of autumn vegetables. Tossed in a simple maple-Dijon vinaigrette, each bite balances salty, sweet, and savory notes—making this recipe a delightful crowd-pleaser on your dinner table, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a festive holiday feast.

Building Your Flavor-Packed Autumn Salad

Start with a base of crisp mixed greens such as arugula, baby spinach, or kale. Layer on sliced Honeycrisp apples for juicy sweetness and toss in roasted butternut squash cubes for a warm, earthy element. Add creamy crumbles of feta cheese, toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, and dried cranberries for extra pop. The maple-Dijon vinaigrette ties everything together, complementing each ingredient while highlighting the apples’ natural flavor.

Tips for Preparing and Serving

To keep your greens crisp and the apples from browning, slice the apples just before serving and toss them with a little lemon juice. Roast the butternut squash ahead of time and let it cool before adding it to the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Optional: Garnish with pomegranate seeds for added color and tang.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Fall Salad

This salad shines as a standalone lunch, a side for roasted chicken or pork, or as a headline dish for autumn gatherings. Pair with a loaf of rustic bread or serve alongside warm soup for a hearty, nutritious meal. Its balance of flavors makes it appealing to nearly any palate—great for potlucks or as a holiday side dish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. Each generous portion contains roughly 300-350 calories, offering plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins thanks to the fresh produce, nuts, and olive oil.

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad (Recap)

By harmonizing classic fall ingredients, this salad offers a refreshing combination that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. It’s a standout for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, and meal preps alike—simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender. Let cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
3. Slice the Honeycrisp apple thinly and toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced apple, crumbled feta, toasted pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries.
5. Drizzle the maple-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
6. Top salad with pomegranate seeds if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a fantastic candidate for weekly meal planning and prep. Save and schedule this recipe to automatically generate a smart shopping list for all your meals—it will even consolidate ingredients, sort them by grocery section, and help streamline your busy week.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient quantities across all your recipes
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Keeps your meals organized and stress-free
• Reduces food waste by aligning similar ingredients from various meals

Pro tip: When mapping out your weekly menu, schedule your recipes together and watch how shared ingredients—like greens, nuts, or apples—are automatically merged on your shopping list for maximum convenience.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes