Looking for the perfect way to bring some brightness and crunch to your fall table? This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is your answer. It’s crisp, colorful, and comes together faster than you can say, “Did I forget the stuffing again?” Whether you’re trying to balance out heavier Thanksgiving dishes or simply craving something light and refreshing on a cozy day, this salad is a total win.
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Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a celebration of fall. Sweet Honeycrisp apples meet tangy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and a zippy apple cider vinaigrette that pulls everything together. It’s like fall in a bowl, without the need to rake any leaves.
What I love most is how versatile and effortless it is. You can serve it as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or turn it into a light lunch that actually fills you up—without weighing you down.
Ingredients
- 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 Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It
1. Build the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, toss together your mixed greens, Honeycrisp apple slices, red onion, and dried cranberries. The apples bring that unmistakable crispness, and the cranberries? A little tart bite of fall.
2. Layer on the Goodies: Add crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds if you’re feeling festive. It’s already looking like a Pinterest board.
3. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Give it a good shake or whisk until it’s silky smooth.
4. Toss It Together: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat everything—just enough to get every bite flavorful without turning your greens into a soggy mess.
5. Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle on pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves if you want to give it that gourmet finish. Totally optional, but very worth it.
Quick Tips for Salad Success
- Prep Ahead: Want to make this for Thanksgiving dinner? Slice the apples last minute or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- More Crunch Please: Candied nuts are a sweet twist if you’re serving this for a holiday meal.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken or leftover turkey to turn this side into a main dish.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad was born one chaotic November afternoon when I was trying to balance meal prep, kids’ homework, and an inbox full of pre-Black Friday deals. I needed something fast, fresh, and not another carb-heavy dish. A quick peek into my fridge led to this beauty—and now, it’s on repeat all season long.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or blue cheese both bring great flavor. Just use what you have or what your family loves.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep the salad and dressing separate if possible. Store the greens in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The dressing can hang out in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make this salad ahead for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Just prep all the components separately and toss them together right before serving. It’s a low-stress way to add something fresh to your holiday spread.
The Perfect Fall Salad for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just trying to add more veggies to your weeknight lineup, this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad brings comfort, crunch, and color to your table. It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the ones we crave the most. Happy fall, y’all!
Want to try another take on this recipe? Check out this version on Chicken Magic Recipes.
Keep the Fall Flavors Coming: More Delicious Ideas to Try
If this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad put you in a cozy mood, you’ll love these other comforting fall favorites from the blog:
- Pair your salad with something hearty like this flavorful rosemary apple cider chicken—the apple theme continues beautifully!
- For a more indulgent side dish that screams holiday, try our crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Looking for a fun, no-bake dessert to round out your fall menu? You’ll want to make these No Bake Moose Farts—they’re as fun as they sound.
- And don’t miss this stunning Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad—it’s a great alternative or companion salad for your holiday table.
Explore the full collection of comforting, seasonal favorites at SlowCookersRecipes.com!
Print
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Fall Favorite
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate fall with this crisp and colorful Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. It combines sweet apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing Thanksgiving side or light main dish.
Ingredients
-
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 Dressing:
-
1/4 cup olive oil
-
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
-
1 tablespoon honey
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, red onion, and dried cranberries.
-
Add crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and pumpkin seeds (if using).
-
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
-
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
-
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and thyme if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
To keep apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice if prepping in advance.
Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken or leftover turkey.
Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~14g
- Sodium: ~280mg
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg