This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad brings crisp apples, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans together in one vibrant dish. Each bite is fresh, sweet, and savory with seasonal charm. The quick prep makes it perfect for Thanksgiving tables or cozy weeknight dinners. You’ll love how this salad feels festive yet light, giving you all the flavors of fall in just minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Salad
You’ll love this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad because it’s quick to prepare yet feels special enough for holidays. The fresh apples balance the tangy feta, while pecans and cranberries add crunch and sweetness. This salad works beautifully as a side with turkey or as a light lunch with bread on the side. It’s versatile, too, so you can adapt it with kale, pears, or even add grilled chicken. Best of all, the balance of flavors makes it a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy, especially at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the base, gather 6 cups of fresh mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix. Slice one large Honeycrisp apple thinly and add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Toss in ⅓ cup toasted pecans or swap for walnuts, plus ¼ cup dried cranberries. For extra color, add ¼ cup pomegranate seeds. Slice ¼ red onion thinly and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds. A teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves also works nicely.
For the dressing, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Prepare the Base
Place your mixed greens into a large serving bowl. Add the sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries. These form the fresh and colorful base.
Mix the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. The tangy-sweet dressing will tie all the flavors together.
Combine and Serve
Add feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds over the greens. Pour the dressing evenly across the salad. Toss gently to coat without bruising the greens. Finish with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme. Serve immediately while crisp and vibrant.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Swap feta with goat cheese for creaminess or blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Instead of pecans, try almonds or walnuts for different crunch. Fresh pear or orange slices also add brightness. If you enjoy hearty greens, use kale or romaine in place of mixed greens. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or tofu, making it a full meal. To keep it vegan, simply skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave. This salad also pairs well with grains like quinoa for a more filling option. Flexibility is key, so adjust it to your taste and what’s in your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad pairs perfectly with roasted poultry, grilled meats, or even warm soups. On Thanksgiving, it balances heavier mains with refreshing crunch. It also makes a great starter for festive dinners or a light entrée on its own with crusty bread. The colorful ingredients also look beautiful on any fall table, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Storage Instructions
For best results, store the greens and dressing separately. Place undressed salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge and shake before using. Once tossed, the salad is best eaten immediately, as the apples and greens may soften. If prepping ahead, slice the apples just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
Explore Similar Recipes
- Garlic butter bread rolls perfect for Thanksgiving
- Apple cinnamon rolls with warm holiday spices
- Cheesy root vegetable gratin ideal for Thanksgiving sides
- Cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for festive gatherings
- Thanksgiving deviled eggs with a savory twist
Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is fresh, festive, and ready in just 15 minutes. With crisp apples, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts, it’s a seasonal favorite that brightens any table. Serve it at Thanksgiving, enjoy it for lunch, or bring it to a fall gathering. It’s versatile, colorful, and easy to love. For more inspiration, check out seasonal boards on Pinterest.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad – Fresh & Festive
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds optional
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves optional
- Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine greens, sliced apple, red onion, and cranberries.
- 2. Add feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds if using.
- 3. In a separate container, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 4. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat.
- 5. Top with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme if desired.
- 6. Serve immediately.