Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

When I’m craving a salad that’s crisp, tangy, and a little sweet, I make this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. It’s the perfect mix of juicy apples, creamy feta, crunchy greens, and a bright vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. I love how fresh and balanced this salad feels—it’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weekday lunch.

Why I Love This Recipe

What I love most is the contrast of flavors and textures. The Honeycrisp apples bring that signature crunch and sweetness, while the feta adds a salty, creamy bite. Tossed with fresh greens and a simple dressing, it feels both light and satisfying. I like how this salad pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies or even a warm bowl of soup.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced)

• Mixed greens or arugula

• Feta cheese (crumbled)

• Red onion (thinly sliced)

• Walnuts or pecans (toasted)

• Dried cranberries or cherries

• Olive oil

• Apple cider vinegar

• Dijon mustard

• Honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. I start by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.

2. In a large salad bowl, I combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, and dried cranberries.

3. I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently so the apples stay crisp and the greens don’t wilt.

4. I top it with crumbled feta and toasted walnuts just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

5. Sometimes, I finish with a few cracks of black pepper or a light drizzle of extra honey if I want it sweeter.

Servings and Timing

This salad makes 4 servings as a side or 2 as a light main. It takes me about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy choice for any meal.

Variations

• I swap feta for goat cheese when I want something even creamier.

• For extra protein, I add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas.

• I use spinach or kale instead of mixed greens when I want a heartier base.

• I sometimes toss in sliced pears along with the apples for added fruitiness.

• For a crunchier texture, I like adding roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad components separately if I’m not eating it right away. The dressed salad is best eaten immediately, as the apples can brown and the greens can wilt. To keep leftovers fresh for up to 1 day, I toss the apples in a little lemon juice and store the dressing on the side. This salad doesn’t need reheating—it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prep all the ingredients and store them separately. I slice the apples just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

What makes Honeycrisp apples best for this salad?

I like them for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, plus their firm texture holds up well in salads without getting soggy.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely. Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan all work great, depending on the flavor profile I want.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

I toss them in lemon juice right after slicing. It helps maintain their color and adds a nice brightness to the salad.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It can be, as long as I store the dressing separately and add the apples and nuts just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is one of my favorite ways to bring crisp, seasonal flavors to the table. I love how quick it is to make and how versatile it can be depending on what I have on hand. It’s the kind of salad that always feels special, whether I’m enjoying it on a weekday or serving it to guests.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American / Seasonal
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a crisp, refreshing mix of sweet apples, creamy feta, crunchy greens, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you want a quick, elegant salad packed with flavor and texture!

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Ingredients

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• 5 oz mixed greens or arugula
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.

2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, and dried cranberries.

3. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.

4. Top with crumbled feta and toasted walnuts.

5. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a drizzle of honey or a few cracks of black pepper.

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Notes

• Swap feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan.
• Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for protein.
• Use kale or spinach for a heartier salad base.
• Combine apples and pears for added fruit flavor.
• Add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.