Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad
This Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures, perfect for showcasing the flavors of fall. Crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a tangy dressing create a refreshing and satisfying salad that's ideal as a side dish or light meal.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Dry skillet or oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens such as spinach, romaine, or spring mix
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cinnamon optional
- Grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas optional, for protein
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Add a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
- Wash and Chop the Apples: Wash the Honeycrisp apples thoroughly. Core them and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Do not peel them.
- Toast the Nuts: If you haven't already, toast the pecans or walnuts. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, dried cranberries (or cherries), and red onion (if using).
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to overdress.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can chill it briefly, but the apples may soften.
Notes
For optimal flavor, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the greens may wilt and the apples may soften. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial meal. You can also substitute other crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.