Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe

I discovered a summer apple salad that perfectly blends crisp apples, mixed greens, and toasted walnuts with a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette. The burst of fresh flavors and creamy feta creates a delightful mix of textures that makes this dish an enticing choice for those seeking a truly invigorating, light meal.

I recently whipped up my Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad and I just had to share it with you cause it’s a total game changer for my lunch routine. I used 2 Honeycrisp apples cored and thinly sliced that give it an amazing fruity crunch along with 4 cups of mixed salad greens.

The creamy feta cheese mixed with roughly chopped toasted walnuts brought an awesome twist that makes it feel like that best apple salad you’ve always dreamed about. I even tossed in a little red onion for those who like a bit more bite.

Drizzled on a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey and extra-virgin olive oil gives it that perfect sweet and tart balance. If you’re looking for a light salad that brings delicious flavors and a touch of summer to your plate then this might be just the salad for you.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because the crisp sweetness of the Honeycrisp apples and fresh salad greens gives me a satisfying crunch every time I eat it. I also love how the tangy honey mustard dressing ties everything together with a blend of sweet and savory flavors that just pop. The combination of creamy feta and toasted walnuts creates different textures that keeps each bite interesting and super flavorful. Finally, it’s an easy recipe to throw together when I want a healthy, delicious meal without too much hassle.

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp Apples: Crisp, juicy sweetness that provides fibre and natural vitamins.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese rich in protein and calcium, adds unique flavor.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts loaded with healthy fats, protein and omega nutrients.
• Red Onion: Optional but vibrant; adds a zesty bite and antioxidants.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Low-cal, nutrient-packed leaves offering vitamins and fibre for energy.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity, balancing flavors and aiding digestion naturally.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that complements tangy and savory flavors with smooth richness.
• Dijon Mustard: Spicy accent, adds zest and depth to the dressing.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, healthy oil that ties the salad together smoothly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhancing overall flavor with a balanced taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by thinly slicing the 2 Honeycrisp apples after you remove the core, and then set them aside with the 4 cups of mixed salad greens in a big bowl.

2. If you want a bit of extra kick, thinly slice the small red onion and add it to the bowl.

3. Toast the 1/2 cup chopped walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until they’re light brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

4. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp honey until it looks smooth.

5. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil to the vinegar mixture while whisking, so the dressing emulsifies well.

6. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper then give it another quick stir.

7. Pour the dressing over the salad mix, making sure all the apples, greens, and onions get a good coating.

8. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and the toasted walnuts evenly over the salad.

9. Toss everything gently, trying not to crush the apples or feta too much.

10. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld, and then serve immediately for a fresh, tangy crunch.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for the salad
2. Cutting board for slicing apples and red onion
3. Chef’s knife for all the slicing
4. Dry pan or skillet for toasting walnuts
5. Small bowl for mixing the dressing
6. Whisk for emulsifying the dressing
7. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup for precise ingredients
8. Salad tongs or a spatula to toss the salad gently

FAQ

Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Honeycrisp apples – if you cant find these, try using Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples for a nice tangy crunch
• Feta cheese – you can swap this for crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta salata if you want a slightly different flavor
• Walnuts – if youre not a fan, toasted pecans or slivered almonds works pretty well as a nutty alternative
• Red onion – if the sharp taste bothers you, try using shallots or sweet onions instead
• Apple cider vinegar – you can also use white wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for that hint of acidity

Pro Tips

1. Toast your walnuts slowly and keep a close eye on them. If they start to burn, they might get a bitter taste so stir them a lot and use medium heat.
2. Give your dressing a taste before mixing it with the salad. You might wanna adjust the honey or vinegar a bit if you like it sweeter or tangier.
3. Let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing. This helps the flavors mix together better even though it might seem like a small step.
4. When you toss the salad, be gentle with the apples and feta so they don’t break apart. It keeps the texture nice and crunchy.