This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad comes together in about 15 minutes and, best of all, it’s a no-cook affair that your family will love! Switch up the greens or throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand for a “clean out the fridge” meal, trust me, this salad is versatile enough to fit your taste! Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a tasty way to keep everyone happy at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
For the Salad:
Mixed Greens : I usually go for 4 cups of mixed greens as the base for this salad because it gives a great balance of flavors and textures. You can use baby arugula, spinach, or whatever is fresh, mixing it up keeps things exciting! If you’re into something heartier, kale will work beautifully, too, but I recommend massaging it first to soften the leaves.
Honeycrisp Apples : You’re gonna need 2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced (no need to peel!). They add that perfect sweet-tart crunch that makes this salad special. Fuji or Gala apples can be substituted if you can’t find Honeycrisp. Just be careful that they aren’t too mushy, this salad deserves that delightful crunch!
Feta Cheese : 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese gives the salad a creamy, tangy pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples. I prefer using Greek feta for its crumbly texture and robust flavor. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even blue cheese can add a different dimension of flavor.
Dried Cranberries : I toss in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries for a splash of color and that sweet-tart punch! You can easily use raisins or dried cherries instead if they’re what you’ve got; just make sure they’re not too hard or old!
Red Onion : For this salad, you’ll want a 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. It adds a kick, but if your family isn’t big on onions, you can skip it or substitute with green onions for a milder flavor.
Candied Walnuts : Go for 1/3 cup of candied walnuts to add a delightful crunch! They’re sweet, a little salty, and just oh-so-perfect in this salad. If they aren’t available, granola or toasted pecans will work just as well!
For the Dressing:
Olive Oil : You’ll need 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This is where the richness comes from! I like to use extra-virgin olive oil for its vibrant flavor, but any light oil will work if you’re in a pinch.
Apple Cider Vinegar : 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar bring nice acidity and a depth of flavor. You can swap this for balsamic or red wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly different tang.
Honey : A tablespoon of honey is essential, it ties the flavors together with a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking to make it vegan, agave syrup would be a great replacement!
Dijon Mustard : For a tad more zest, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. This adds that needed punch! If you don’t have Dijon, regular yellow mustard will work, but it’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
Salt and Pepper : I like to finish with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skip this step, seasoning really brings a dish to life!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep Ingredients (about 5 minutes): First things first, wash and dry your greens if they aren’t pre-washed! Then, you’ll want to thinly slice those luscious Honeycrisp apples and red onion. The vibrant colors should start brightening things up already!
Make Dressing (about 5 minutes): Grab a small bowl (or a jar, if you want to shake it up!) and whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste as needed; maybe you like it a little sweeter or tangier, totally your call!
Assemble Salad (about 5 minutes): In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, apple slices, feta cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, and the candied walnuts. Seriously, it’s a feast for the eyes with all those beautiful colors!
Dress and Serve (1 minute): Drizzle the prepared dressing just before serving, and toss everything gently to coat. You want it dressed but not drowning, balance is key!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, fresh, and satisfying. I’m a real sucker for dishes that look beautiful but come together without breaking a sweat. You know what I mean? It’s comfort food in a salad bowl! Plus, the best part is you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, makes meal prep feel effortless. You can throw in leftover grilled chicken, add some chickpeas for protein, or even toss in other fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch!
If you loved this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, be sure to check out my Strawberry Crackle Salad, my Greek Lettuce Salad, or my Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Poppy Seed Dressing!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This salad comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together right when you’re ready to eat!
Customizable
Seriously, the options are endless! You can use whatever ingredients you have. Out of feta? Try goat cheese. No walnuts? Use sunflower seeds instead. It’s highly adaptable, and you won’t ruin it no matter what!
Fresh & Light
This salad is packed with fresh ingredients, so it feels light and rejuvenating. You can serve it as a side dish or make it a main dish by adding a source of protein. Win-win!
Great for Meal Prep
Make a big batch on Sunday and keep the ingredients separate, just dress it right before serving. It’ll hold up well in the fridge for a few days, making your weeknights a breeze.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad with grilled chicken for a hearty meal or simply enjoy it on its own for a light lunch. It’s also a fantastic side dish for any grilled meats or sandwiches. You can even serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup for comfort food perfection!
Storage
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The apples may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be just as amazing.
Reheating Instructions
This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good toss before serving and enjoy!
Freezer Friendly
Nope, not really! This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients, especially the apples. Make it fresh, and enjoy every bite!
How about that? A quick and easy Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad full of flavor that comes together in a snap! The mix of sweet apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts makes every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry the mixed greens if they aren’t pre-washed.
- Thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Adjust to taste as needed.
- In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, apple slices, feta cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, and candied walnuts.
- Drizzle the dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat.