Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe

I recently created my Best Apple Salad and it quickly became a favorite. I love the crisp flavor of sliced Honeycrisp apples paired with creamy feta cheese and toasted walnuts. Tossed in a light mix of greens with a drizzle of olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar brings a satisfying zing.

I recently discovered a recipe that totally blew me away with its mix of flavors. I was slicing up 2 Honeycrisp apples and tossing them with 3/4 cup crumbled feta and 1/2 cup toasted walnuts while I was thinking about how refreshing a spring mix salad with apples can be.

There’s something really exciting about the way the crisp apples and creamy feta work together, not to mention that tangy honey mustard vinaigrette made with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for that perfect burst of flavor. A little salt and pepper completely ties the dish together.

I mean this is easily one of the best apple salads Ive ever had- it reminds me of those summer apple salads and yummy side salads I used to make as a kid. Its sweet, savory and just has the right zing for a light lunch or a holiday side dish.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this salad because the crisp Honeycrisp apples bring a refreshing crunch that makes each bite exciting. I also like how the creamy feta nicely contrasts with the tangy dressing, making every forkful a mix of sweet and savory. The toasted walnuts add this awesome texture that I feel makes the salad more interesting and fun to eat. I appreciate that the dressing is simple yet packs a punch with flavors from olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar that tie everything together perfectly. Lastly, I enjoy making it because its easy enough to throw together for a light meal that still feels fancy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and essential fiber for better digestion
• Crumbled feta cheese provides a tangy burst of protein and calcium
• Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fats and add a satisfying crunch
• Olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats with smooth, rich flavor
• Honey gives an extra touch of sweetness although it contains natural sugars
• Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar balance the salad with a tangy kick

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by washing and coring the apples, then slice them as thin as you can.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread out the walnuts on a baking sheet, toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they get lightly browned. Let them cool.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Season your dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting it to make sure it’s just right.

5. Grab a large salad bowl and add the mixed salad greens.

6. Toss in the sliced apples, cooled walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.

7. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad.

8. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients get a good coat of the vinaigrette.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp chef’s knife for coring and thinly slicing the apples
2. A sturdy cutting board for prepping the apples
3. An oven to toast the walnuts
4. A baking sheet to spread out the walnuts in the oven
5. A small bowl to mix together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar
6. A whisk or fork to blend the dressing ingredients
7. A large salad bowl for tossing the salad greens, apples, walnuts, and feta cheese
8. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar

FAQ

Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Honeycrisp apples: You can swap these for Granny Smith or Gala apples. They add a similar crisp texture but a slightly different flavor, which can be cool for mixin’ things up.
• Feta cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even a mild blue cheese. Both give a good tangy punch to the salad.
• Walnuts: You can use pecans or sliced almonds instead. They still provide a nice crunch and a unique flavor.
• Olive oil: Avocado oil works well as a substitute. It has a similar smoothness and can even add a hint of extra flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can replace this. Either one brings that tangy kick without changing the salad too much.

Pro Tips

1. If you have one, use a mandoline to slice the apples so they come out uniformly thin; thicker slices might not mix as well with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Keep a close eye on your walnuts when toasting them cause they can burn really quick; letting them cool completely before mixing them in will help keep the crunch.
3. Taste your dressing as you mix it up – sometimes a bit more honey or mustard is needed to balance out the tang from the vinegar and salt.
4. If you’re not eating the salad immediately, consider adding the greens last to keep them from wilting from the dressing.