Apple and Feta Salad

Name: Apple and Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix): fresh base for the salad; 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced: provides crisp texture and sweetness; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: adds creamy, salty contrast; 1/3 cup pecans, toasted: nutty crunch and warmth; 1/4 cup dried cranberries: chewy texture and tartness; 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional): juicy burst and color; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: adds a mild bite; 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional): extra crunch and nutrition; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): for herby aroma; 1/4 cup olive oil: base for the vinaigrette; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: tangy acidity; 1 tablespoon honey: natural sweetness; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: sharpness and depth; Salt and pepper to taste: seasoning to balance the dressing

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Celebrate the vibrant flavors of fall with this easy Apple and Feta Salad. Crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette come together to create a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish for your holiday table, this salad is a delicious way to savor the season’s best ingredients.

A Fresh and Flavor-Packed Autumn Salad

This Apple and Feta Salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and tangy. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but also nutrient-dense and naturally gluten-free. The combination of leafy greens, crunchy nuts, seasonal fruits, and a bright vinaigrette makes it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even festive meals.

This salad is:

Quick to prepare (just 15 minutes)
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Easily adaptable with pantry staples
A great way to enjoy seasonal produce like apples, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds

Ingredients for Apple and Feta Salad

• Mixed Greens: Provide the crisp, fresh base — use spinach, arugula, or spring mix
• Honeycrisp Apple: Adds sweetness and juicy crunch
• Feta Cheese: Offers creamy, salty contrast
• Pecans: Toasted for a warm, nutty crunch
• Dried Cranberries: Bring chewy texture and tart flavor
• Pomegranate Seeds (optional): Add vibrant color and a pop of juice
• Red Onion: Gives the salad a zesty bite
• Pumpkin Seeds (optional): Extra crunch and nutrition
• Fresh Thyme (optional): Earthy herbal note

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• Olive Oil: Rich base for the dressing
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity
• Honey: Natural sweetness
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp, tangy depth
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to balance all flavors

Optional Toppings and Add-Ins:

• Pear slices: for more fall sweetness
• Roasted chickpeas: for added protein and crunch
• Croutons: for texture variety

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Need to make some swaps? This salad is flexible:

• Apple Swap: Try Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples for similar crunch and sweetness.
• Feta Alternatives: Goat cheese for tangier flavor or blue cheese for boldness.
• Nut Options: Walnuts, almonds, or candied pecans all work beautifully.
• Dried Fruit: Chopped dates, raisins, or dried cherries add a unique twist.
• Greens Variation: Kale, romaine, or a hearty spinach mix hold up well to the dressing.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based feta and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.

How to Make Apple and Feta Salad – Step-by-Step

Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad base.
Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until smooth and emulsified.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
Garnish
Top with fresh thyme leaves and pomegranate seeds if using, for a colorful, festive finish.
Serve
Enjoy immediately as a crisp and flavorful side dish or light lunch.

Kitchen Tips for the Perfect Apple and Feta Salad

• Slice Apples Last: To prevent browning, slice the apples just before serving. If prepping ahead, toss with lemon juice.
• Toast the Pecans: Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to intensify their flavor and add crunch.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the vinaigrette gradually — you want a light coating, not a soggy salad.
• Balance Your Flavors: Taste the dressing before using; adjust with more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
• Fresh Cheese is Best: Crumble your own feta from a block for a creamier texture and fresher taste.

Delicious Pairings and Flavor Variations

• Add Grilled Chicken: Makes it a complete meal with protein.
• Serve with Butternut Squash Soup: A cozy fall dinner pairing.
• Add Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For more heartiness and earthy flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dressing.
• Try Quinoa or Farro: These grains bulk up the salad and absorb dressing beautifully.
• Holiday Touch: Toss in candied pecans and orange zest for a festive twist.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Meal Prep Friendly: Store ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.
• Dressing Storage: Keep vinaigrette in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
• Leftovers: Store dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days, though it’s best fresh.

Seasonal Benefits of Apple and Feta Salad

Fall is the best time to enjoy apples at their peak freshness, especially Honeycrisp apples. This Apple and Feta Salad not only celebrates the harvest season but also provides essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It’s a smart and satisfying way to eat more produce as the weather turns cooler.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive holiday meal, this apple and feta combination brings brightness and balance to your table.

Conclusion

This Apple and Feta Salad is a true celebration of seasonal simplicity and fresh flavors. Its crisp apples, creamy feta, and tangy vinaigrette make each bite exciting, while the ease of preparation ensures it fits into busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, serving it as a festive side dish, or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad adds a vibrant, satisfying touch to any table.

With endless variations and customizable ingredients, it’s easy to make this recipe your own. From its fall-inspired textures to its nourishing ingredients, the Apple and Feta Salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple and Feta Salad

Can I make Apple and Feta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the components in advance. Slice the apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them in a bit of lemon juice. Keep the dressing, greens, and toppings separate until you’re ready to assemble to maintain the best texture and freshness.

What type of apples work best for this salad?

Honeycrisp apples are ideal because of their crisp texture and sweet-tart balance, but other firm apples like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent alternatives. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they may become mushy when sliced.

How can I make this Apple and Feta Salad more filling?

To turn this into a hearty meal, add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or turkey. You can also include grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice to increase fiber and keep you full longer. These additions blend seamlessly with the salad’s existing flavors.

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad (Fall Recipe): A vibrant mix of crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh greens, this salad brings autumn flavors to your table in a refreshing way. It’s a close cousin to the Apple and Feta Salad, perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Packed with roasted vegetables, juicy apples, feta cheese, and a zippy apple cider vinaigrette, this hearty salad is a wholesome and flavorful option for anyone who loved the Apple and Feta Salad.
Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple: Combining the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with crisp apples and earthy greens, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory — a perfect fall twist on the Apple and Feta Salad.

Apple and Feta Salad – Easy, Fresh, and Perfect for Fall Meals

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