This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will surely become a favorite. With crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty balsamic dressing, it's perfect for a refreshing lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients
2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup toasted walnuts
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding a different type of cheese such as goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangy twist. You can also use different nuts like pecans or almonds if you prefer. For a heartier version, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu to make the salad more filling. If you don’t have Honeycrisp apples, any other crisp apple variety can work, but Honeycrisp gives a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before serving. If you're storing leftovers, be sure to keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent it from becoming soggy. The salad is best consumed within a day of making it, as the apples can start to brown and the greens may wilt over time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, if you don’t have Honeycrisp apples, feel free to use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisp apples have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, but any crisp apple will work.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad up to an hour in advance, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate until right before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens and apples.
Can I use a different type of greens?
Absolutely! If you don’t have mixed greens, you can use arugula, spinach, or even baby kale. Each type of green will bring a different flavor profile to the salad.
How can I make the dressing sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, simply add a little more honey to taste. You can also experiment with a splash of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! To make the salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of quinoa. Tofu or chickpeas would also work well for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The mix of flavors and textures is incredibly satisfying, and it’s quick to prepare—making it a perfect choice when you're in the mood for something fresh and healthy. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or served alongside a main course, this salad is sure to impress.
Recipe:

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and chewy dried cranberries. Tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, it's the perfect salad for any occasion, whether served as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Quick, easy, and full of fresh flavors, this salad will become a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Ingredients
2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup toasted walnuts
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
-
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For an extra twist, try substituting the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a tangy flavor.
Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds for variety.
If you want to make the salad heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Keep the dressing separate if preparing ahead of time to prevent sogginess.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey or a splash of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal