Honeycrisp Apple and Feta

This honeycrisp apple and feta salad brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one refreshing dish. The crisp sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the creamy, salty feta while the homemade honey mustard vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.

I first created this salad for a fall dinner party, and it's become my signature dish that friends request whenever they visit. The combination of textures and flavors never fails to impress even the most discerning guests.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens: Provides the perfect base for this salad, choose the freshest you can find for best flavor and texture
• Honeycrisp apples: Are the star with their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness; select firm fruits with bright red coloring
• Crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy tanginess; go for authentic Greek feta for the richest flavor
• Toasted walnuts or pecans: Bring essential crunch and nutty depth; make sure to toast them yourself for maximum flavor
• Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds: Offer bursts of sweet tartness and beautiful color contrast
• Red onion (optional): Delivers a mild pungency that cuts through the sweetness
• Olive oil: Forms the base of our vinaigrette; use extra virgin for best flavor
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings essential acidity that brightens the entire salad
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness that complements the apples beautifully
• Dijon mustard: Acts as both an emulsifier and flavor enhancer in the dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vinaigrette:

Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl or jar. The mustard not only adds flavor but helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth texture that coats the salad ingredients perfectly. Whisk vigorously until fully combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. I prefer to make this slightly ahead so the flavors can meld together.

Assemble the salad:

Start with a large shallow bowl and add your mixed greens as the foundation. The key here is creating layers of ingredients rather than mixing everything together immediately. Arrange the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples decoratively on top, followed by crumbled feta cheese, ensuring even distribution. Scatter the toasted nuts and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds across the salad, creating a visually appealing presentation with pops of color and texture.

Dress and serve:

Drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, using just enough to lightly coat the ingredients without overwhelming them. Gently toss the salad with two large spoons or salad servers, being careful not to bruise the delicate greens or break up the apple slices too much. The goal is to ensure every bite contains a perfect balance of all ingredients.

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The Honeycrisp apples truly make this salad special. I discovered them at a local farmers market years ago, and their perfect balance of sweetness, tartness and incredible crunch transformed my salad game forever. My daughter now insists we make this salad together every Sunday as our special weekend tradition.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be partially prepped in advance to save time. Wash and dry your greens, slice the onions, and make the dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. Wait to slice the apples until just before serving to prevent browning. If you must slice them ahead, toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to maintain their color and crispness.

Seasonal Variations

Transform this salad throughout the year by making simple substitutions. In summer, replace apples with fresh berries or peaches and swap the dried cranberries for fresh blueberries. During winter, add roasted butternut squash cubes or sliced pears instead of apples. Spring calls for tender baby greens and perhaps some fresh herbs like mint or basil. The versatility of this salad template makes it a year-round favorite in my kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple pasta dish. For a complete vegetarian meal, add some cooked quinoa or farro directly to the salad for extra protein and substance. I love serving it with warm crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine for a perfect lunch. For entertaining, present it on a large shallow platter rather than a bowl to showcase all the colorful ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp apples with other crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for a slightly different flavor profile.

→ What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Feel free to replace feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded Parmesan for a different texture and taste.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, skip the feta cheese and honey. Use a vegan cheese alternative and substitute maple syrup for the honey in the dressing.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but wait to slice the apples and dress the salad until just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

→ What other nuts or seeds can I use?

You can swap the walnuts or pecans with almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds depending on your preference.

→ What is an alternative to the honey mustard vinaigrette?

You could use a balsamic vinaigrette, citrus-based dressing, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a different flavor twist.