Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is everything you want in a fall salad—fresh, vibrant, and layered with texture. It balances the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the salty creaminess of feta, the crunch of toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully.

Whether you’re serving this as a light lunch, a festive side dish, or even bringing it to your Thanksgiving table, it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through. The flavors feel like fall in every bite, yet it remains light and refreshing enough for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

This salad isn’t just beautiful to look at—it’s downright satisfying to eat. The combination of juicy apples, nutty crunch, and salty cheese makes each forkful sing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together and totally customizable. Swap out the nuts, try goat cheese instead of feta, or add roasted squash for something even heartier.

What Kind of Apples Work Best in This Salad?

While you can certainly use any crisp apple, Honeycrisp truly steals the show here. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and perfectly crunchy, which complements the creamy feta and adds balance to the vinaigrette. If you need to substitute, Pink Lady or Fuji are solid alternatives that keep the same crisp texture.

Ingredients for the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

This salad brings together seasonal ingredients that taste like fall in a bowl. Every item plays a role in adding flavor, crunch, or creaminess to this delightful dish.

• Honeycrisp apples
• Baby arugula or spring greens
• Feta cheese
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Red onion
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Maple syrup
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Step 1: Prep the Base

Slice your Honeycrisp apples thinly and toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Thinly slice the red onion as well. Add baby arugula or spring greens to a large bowl.

Step 2: Build the Salad

Top the greens with your sliced apples, red onions, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. You can toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and crunch.

Serving and Storing Your Apple and Feta Salad

This salad is best served fresh and tossed right before you plan to eat. It makes enough for about 4 people as a main or 6 as a side dish. If you’re making it in advance, keep the components separate and combine right before serving to preserve that beautiful crunch and texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though the apples may lose their crispness after sitting in the dressing.

What to Serve With Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Breast

A simple grilled chicken breast adds protein and makes this salad a wholesome meal on its own.

Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy squash soup adds a cozy fall pairing that warms the soul.

Turkey Sandwiches

A great lunch combo that feels hearty but not too heavy.

Garlic Herb Flatbread

Crispy, warm, and perfect for scooping up those bits of feta and vinaigrette.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Earthy and nutty rice flavors pair beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Add a side of warm, caramelized sweet potatoes for more comfort on the plate.

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

The tangy glaze on the pork mirrors the vinaigrette flavors, making for a seamless match.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, you’ll definitely want to check out these other unique salads:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken when you’re in the mood for something bright and zesty.
• Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes for a crisp and refreshing side.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak if you’re pairing this salad with a hearty protein.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono for a warm and citrusy starter.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it anytime.

I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you try goat cheese instead? Toss in some roasted beets? Drop a comment and let me know your spin on it!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for seasonal eating.

Conclusion

The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad captures everything we crave in fall—comfort, color, and bold flavors. It brings both elegance and ease to the table, making it a perfect dish to celebrate the changing seasons. Whether it’s for a casual lunch or a holiday gathering, this salad is destined to become a favorite on your fall menu.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?