Description
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad brings together sweet, crisp apple slices, tangy feta crumbles, candied walnuts, and dried cranberries on a bed of fresh mixed greens, all tossed in a honey apple cider vinaigrette. It hits the table in 15 minutes and tastes like something straight from a restaurant menu.
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced (leave the peel on)
4 cups mixed greens
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
1/3 cup candied walnuts
FOR THE HONEY APPLE CIDER DRESSING
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Core the apples and slice them 1/4-inch thick. Toss immediately in 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning. Thinly slice the red onion and soak in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk vigorously or seal and shake until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust honey or vinegar.
3. Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl. Do not dress yet.
4. Arrange the apple slices, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, drained red onion, and candied walnuts over the greens.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss gently until every leaf and apple slice gets a light, even coating. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always dress this salad right before serving — dressed greens wilt within 20 minutes.
Toss sliced apples in 1 teaspoon lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning for up to 1 hour.
Honeycrisp apples are strongly preferred for their sweet-tart balance and firm texture. Gala or Pink Lady are the best backup options.
Store all components separately in the refrigerator and assemble fresh at serving time for best results.
Gluten-free as written. Nut-free swap: use toasted pumpkin seeds instead of candied walnuts.
Vegan swap: omit feta and replace honey in the dressing with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American