There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the seasonal produce that bursts with flavor. One of the best ways to embrace the season is by preparing a salad that celebrates the harvest. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a perfect example: a deliciously balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements that highlight fall’s freshest ingredients.

With crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta cheese, toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It works beautifully as a light meal, a hearty side dish, or even the star of your fall gatherings. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning a cozy dinner, or just want a nourishing lunch, this salad is an ideal choice.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Salad

• Seasonal flavors: Combines fall’s best produce—apples, pomegranate seeds, and cranberries.
• Perfect balance: Sweet fruit, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts create harmony in every bite.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite greens, nuts, or cheese varieties.
• Healthy and nourishing: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Ingredients

To make this Honeycrisp apple and feta salad, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find during the fall season.

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, red onion, and dried cranberries.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using) over the salad.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
5. Top the salad with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.
6. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main meal.

Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Course: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 290
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 15g

Tips for the Best Autumn Harvest Salad

• Choose crisp apples: Honeycrisp is ideal, but Fuji or Pink Lady work as well.
• Toast your nuts: Lightly toasting pecans or walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
• Slice apples last: To prevent browning, slice the apple just before serving. You can also toss slices with lemon juice.
• Balance the flavors: Don’t overload with dressing—less is more to keep the greens fresh.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or quinoa for extra protein.

Ingredient Variations

One of the great things about this salad is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Greens: Use kale, romaine, or even shredded Brussels sprouts for a heartier base.
• Cheese: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead of feta.
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great substitutes for pecans.
• Dressing: Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper fall flavor.
• Fruit: Swap cranberries with dried cherries or raisins; pears also work well alongside apples.

How to Serve

This salad is versatile enough for a wide variety of occasions:

• Holiday gatherings: Perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas tables.
• Weeknight dinners: Quick and easy side dish for roasted chicken or pork.
• Lunch: Enjoy as a light meal with some crusty bread on the side.
• Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing option that looks impressive but is simple to prepare.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Dressing: Make the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Greens: Wash and dry the greens ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container.
• Assembly: For best results, assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Leftovers: If dressed, the salad is best eaten the same day. If undressed, it can last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the components in advance, but for the freshest taste, slice the apples and toss the salad with dressing right before serving.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Honeycrisp is the star, but other crisp and sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala work well.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, a light vinaigrette works fine. However, the homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds the perfect fall flavor balance.

Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute a vegan feta and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

Can I add protein?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, chickpeas, or quinoa make it more filling as a main dish.

Pairing Ideas

Wondering what to serve alongside this salad? Try these ideas:

• Main Courses: Roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, or butternut squash soup.
• Breads: Warm sourdough, cornbread, or pumpkin bread complement the flavors well.
• Beverages: Sparkling apple cider, Chardonnay, or a light Pinot Noir pair beautifully.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Fall

This salad captures everything we love about autumn:

• Apples that are at their peak flavor and texture.
• Rich, tangy feta to balance the sweetness of fruit.
• Cranberries and pomegranate seeds that provide seasonal flair.
• Pecans that deliver comforting crunch and nutty depth.

Final Thoughts

The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fall in every bite. With its vibrant colors, refreshing textures, and well-balanced flavors, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike. Simple enough for everyday meals, yet elegant enough for holidays, this salad is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.

So grab those fresh Honeycrisp apples, toast your pecans, and whisk up the apple cider vinaigrette—because this fall salad deserves a spot on your table.

Keywords

Fall salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, Feta salad, Autumn salad