why make this recipe
This salad is bright, crisp, and easy. It mixes sweet Honeycrisp apples with tangy feta and crunchy candied walnuts. You can make it fast for lunch or bring it to a potluck.
introduction
The Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is fresh and simple. The apples stay crisp and the feta adds a salty touch. This salad pairs well with warm mains; try it with the ultimate chicken parm sandwich for a full meal.
how to make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Wash the greens and dry them well. Slice the apples thin without peeling. Mix the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently so the apples stay crisp.
Ingredients :
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula optional)
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced (do not peel))
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup candied walnuts
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry greens if not pre-washed. Thinly slice apples and red onion.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, feta, cranberries, red onion, and walnuts.
- Dress and Serve: Add dressing just before serving and toss gently.
how to serve Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Serve on chilled plates for best crunch. Offer extra dressing on the side. This salad works as a starter, a side, or a light main with bread or protein.
how to store Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Store components separately if possible. Keep greens and apples in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Toss just before serving to keep apples crisp.
tips to make Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Slice apples thin so they blend well with the greens.
- Do not dress the salad until right before serving.
- Use Honeycrisp for crunch and sweet-tart flavor.
- If you like less sharp onion, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain.
- Taste the dressing and adjust honey, vinegar, salt, or pepper to your liking.
variation (if any)
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier taste.
- Use pecans or almonds instead of candied walnuts.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
- Use pear instead of apple for a softer fruit note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different apple?
A: Yes. Fuji or Gala work, but Honeycrisp gives the best crunch.
Q: How do I keep apples from browning?
A: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice or add dressing right before serving.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Prepare ingredients ahead, but do not toss with dressing. Store separately and combine before serving.
Q: Are candied walnuts necessary?
A: They add sweet crunch. You can use plain toasted walnuts or another nut if you prefer.
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and crisp salad featuring sweet Honeycrisp apples, tangy feta, and crunchy candied walnuts, perfect for lunch or a potluck.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby arugula optional)
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples (thinly sliced, do not peel)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup candied walnuts
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the greens if not pre-washed.
- Thinly slice the apples and red onion.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, feta, cranberries, red onion, and walnuts.
- Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Notes
Serve on chilled plates for the best crunch and offer extra dressing on the side. Store components separately to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg