Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Is there anything quite as enchanting as the scent of autumn wafting through your kitchen? As leaves transform into a tapestry of orange, gold, and red, my mind dances with the flavors of the season. And that’s where this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad takes center stage in my home. Picture it: crisp Honeycrisp apples, savory feta, and crunchy candied pecans all mingling with mixed greens to create a vibrant symphony on your plate. I stumbled upon this recipe one glorious fall afternoon, and it instantly became a staple. It’s refreshing yet indulgent, inviting yet sophisticated, perfect for everything from cozy dinners to festive gatherings.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This salad is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of the season. Imagine biting into a juicy Honeycrisp apple, its sweetness cutting through the earthiness of the feta cheese. The candied pecans add that crunchy, sweet contrast that keeps you reaching for just one more bite. The crisp mixed greens weave everything together, making it feel light yet satisfying. It’s all about balance, and this dish nails it!

Plus, let’s talk about the dressing. A simple vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings a tangy brightness that pulls the whole dish together. This is a recipe that not only looks stunning on the table but also packs a nutritional punch—apples for fiber, greens for vitamins, and healthy fats from the olive oil. You’ll find yourself smiling with every forkful, knowing you’re nourishing your body while delighting your taste buds.

Gather these ingredients

When it comes to making magic in the kitchen, having the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Honeycrisp Apples: These beauties are crisp, juicy, and sweet with just the right amount of tartness. If you can’t find Honeycrisps, feel free to swap in a tart Granny Smith or a firm Fuji apple. But trust me, the Honeycrisp is worth it!

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings that creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the apples. Look for high-quality feta for the best flavor—try to avoid the pre-crumbled stuff!

• Mixed Salad Greens: Opt for a mix that includes baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix. The diversity of textures and flavors elevates your salad game. If you have a favorite green, feel free to use that!

• Candied Pecans: These little gems add just the right sweetness and crunch. Store-bought is fine, but if you’ve got 10 minutes, you can easily candy your own! Just toss them in a hot pan with sugar and a pinch of salt until they’re caramelized.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the feta and complements the sweetness of the apples. If they’re too strong for your palate, a mild green onion could work in a pinch.

• Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: These pantry staples create the dressing that ties everything together. Don’t skimp on quality here; a good extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic will elevate the entire dish.

• Salt & Pepper: Just the essentials! A sprinkle of salt enhances flavors, while a dash of fresh ground pepper brings a hint of warmth.

How this recipe comes together

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta, and diced red onion.
2. Add the candied pecans right on top; they deserve to be the glistening cherry on top of your creation!
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create your dressing.
4. Drizzle that lovely mixture over your salad, and toss it gently to combine. You want to coat everything just right without bruising those greens—gentle hands here, my friend!
5. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors, and watch your guests’ faces light up!

Best way to enjoy it

Alright, now how do we take this salad from good to phenomenal? While the dish shines on its own, pairing it well can elevate your meal to new heights. Consider serving it alongside a warm, crusty bread or a slice of roasted chicken to make it a balanced meal. Don’t forget wine! A light Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the salad beautifully—trust me on this!

How to store

If you find yourself with leftover salad (hard to believe, but it happens!), don’t fret. Store the mixed greens and dressing separately in airtight containers. This way, you keep the crunch of your greens and the vibrant flavors intact. The salad will be best enjoyed within 24 hours, so plan accordingly! Just remember to toss the dressing in the moment you’re ready to dig in again.

Helpful cooking tips

• Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad not only boosts their flavor but also adds a nice crunch!
• Don’t skip on the salt in the dressing; it’s essential to help balance the other flavors.
• For a heartier version, add some grilled chicken or quinoa for protein. It turns this beauty into a delightful main dish!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try experimenting with different cheeses. Goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess that works wonderfully, or even a sharp cheddar for a bold twist. Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to introduce an extra burst of sweetness and gorgeous color. If you want a bit of spice, a sprinkling of arugula or a dash of chili flakes can add a delightful kick!

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp apples
• Feta cheese
• Mixed salad greens
• Candied pecans
• Red onion
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions to follow

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta, and diced red onion.
2. Add the candied pecans on top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately.

Common questions

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance and toss everything right before serving to keep it crisp.

• What can I substitute for feta cheese? Goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar works beautifully if you’re not a feta fan!

• How do I make my pecans without buying them pre-candied? Just heat a non-stick skillet, add pecans with some sugar and a sprinkle of salt, and stir until they caramelize. It’s a cinch!

• What kind of vinegar can I use if I don’t have balsamic? Apple cider vinegar is a nice alternative, but it’s a bit tangier, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.

• Can I add protein to this salad? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be fantastic additions.

Honestly, I can’t express how fulfilling it is to whip up this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. It’s not just about nourishment but bringing a little piece of the season into your home. Embrace the process, play with flavors, and let your kitchen be your canvas. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Grab your apron, share your twists, and let’s keep this cooking community vibrant!

Print Recipe

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Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Cooking Method: Mixing Courses: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish Recipe Keys: E Easy F Fall F Fresh H Healthy Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 320

Best Season: Fall

Description

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines the crispness of honeycrisp apples with the creaminess of feta, topped with candied pecans and dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, making it a delightful and nutritious dish for fall.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups Honeycrisp apples, sliced (Can substitute with Granny Smith or Fuji apples.)
• 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (Use high-quality feta for better flavor.)
• 4 cups Mixed salad greens (Include baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Candied pecans (Store-bought or homemade.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Red onion, thinly sliced (Alternately use mild green onion.)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil (Use extra virgin for best flavor.)
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar (Aged variety for enhanced taste.)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper (Freshly ground is recommended.)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Combine Salad Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta, and diced red onion.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Pecans

   Add the candied pecans on top.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Dressing

   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete

4. Dress and Toss

   Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
   Be gentle to avoid bruising the greens.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 10mg4%

Sodium 300mg13%

Potassium 200mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 12g

Protein 6g12%

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Vitamin A 1500 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 20 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 40 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 100 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: salad, autumn, honeycrisp apple, feta cheese, candied pecans, healthy, seasonal recipe