Fall is the season of cozy flavors, colorful produce, and gathering around the table with loved ones. This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple & Feta Salad is everything you want in a Thanksgiving salad—or any autumn meal. Crisp, juicy apples meet salty feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and earthy greens, all tied together with a simple, tangy dressing.
It’s light yet satisfying, beautiful enough for a holiday table, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’ve been looking for a fresh salad recipe that feels both seasonal and special, this one’s for you.
Recipe Info:
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salad / Side Dish | 15 minutes | 0 minutes | 4 | ~250 per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the apples – Slice your Honeycrisp apples thinly. To prevent browning, you can toss them lightly in a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Assemble the greens – Place salad greens in a large serving bowl.
- Layer the toppings – Add sliced apples, crumbled feta, pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion over the greens.
- Make the dressing – In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
- Dress the salad – Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat without crushing the apples.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy fresh for the best crunch and flavor.
💡 Tip: Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Storage – This salad is best fresh. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and add apples right before serving.
- Apple choice – Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and crunch, but Pink Lady or Fuji work well too.
- Balancing flavors – If your apples are very sweet, add a little extra vinegar to the dressing for balance.
Recipe Variations
- Protein boost – Add grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or roasted chickpeas to make it a main dish.
- Nut swap – Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of pecans.
- Dairy-free option – Swap feta with a dairy-free cheese crumble or omit it for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
This autumn salad pairs beautifully with:
- Roast chicken or turkey (perfect for Thanksgiving).
- A cozy bowl of butternut squash soup.
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side.
- A simple fruit spritzer or apple cider mocktail.
Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple & Feta Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re setting the table for Thanksgiving or just want a fresh salad recipe for dinner, this dish brings color, crunch, and cozy vibes to every bite. Share it with loved ones and enjoy the season’s best!