Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that come together in a refreshing way. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, it’s quick to make and packed with texture and color.
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well blended.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Step 4: Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Swap dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate seeds for a juicy twist.
- Use a mix of greens like spinach, arugula, and kale for added nutrients and flavor variety.
- Drizzle a little lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning if preparing ahead of time.
Storage
Store any leftover salad dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The salad itself is best eaten fresh, but if needed, you can keep the mixed greens and other ingredients (without dressing) in the fridge for up to one day. When ready to eat, toss with the dressing again. Avoid storing the salad with dressing to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, feel free to use any crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Gala, but Honeycrisp provides a great balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the salad.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer a milder or dairy-free option, goat cheese or vegan feta alternatives work well and maintain the creamy texture in the salad.
PrintHoneycrisp Apple Feta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad combining sweet crisp apples, tangy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries, dressed with a light honey apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a bright side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries ensuring an even distribution of all components.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients and dressing together to coat everything evenly without bruising the apples or greens.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired to enhance the flavors, then serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness and crisp texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to taste depending on apple sweetness.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the apples and greens.
- Can be served as a light lunch or an elegant side dish for dinner.
Keywords: Honeycrisp apple salad, feta cheese salad, walnut cranberry salad, apple cider vinaigrette, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
