Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is basically fall in a bowl. Imagine crunchy Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and tart dried cranberries all tossed in a maple-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s bright, fresh, and comforting—just what your taste buds need when sweater weather hits. Perfect as a starter, a holiday side, or even a light lunch, this salad brings together sweet, savory, and tangy in a way that feels downright magical. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one. It’s one of the top Harvest Salad Recipes and perfect for anyone searching for the best Autumn Salad Recipes.

If you’re into wholesome and cozy breakfasts too, you’ll love our Brown Sugar Overnight Oats recipe—another seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with fall flavors like apple, maple, and cranberry
  • Quick and easy to whip up, no fancy equipment needed
  • Balanced textures with crunchy, creamy, and chewy elements
  • Crowd-pleaser for holidays or weekday meals
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegetarian
  • Ideal as a Thanksgiving Salad or a fresh addition to your Harvest Salad

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategorySalad (Lunch/Dinner)
CuisineAmerican, Seasonal
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients

  • Honeycrisp apples – crisp, sweet, and juicy; perfect fall base for Autumn Salad
  • Feta cheese – salty and tangy for contrast in your Feta Salad
  • Mixed greens – adds freshness and volume to this Fresh Salad Recipe
  • Toasted pecans – nutty crunch that screams autumn in every Pecan Salad
  • Dried cranberries – chewy and sweet-tart flavor pop
  • Red onion – thinly sliced for bite and depth
  • Maple-Dijon vinaigrette – sweet, tangy, and totally addictive

Note: Full ingredient measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the apples thinly, crumble the feta, and toast the pecans if they’re not already. Wash and dry your greens thoroughly.

Step 2: Whip Up the Vinaigrette

In a small jar, shake together olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and tweak if needed.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately so the apples stay crisp and the greens remain fresh. It’s fall magic on a plate!

Pro Tips for the Best Salad

  • Use chilled apples for extra crunch
  • Toss vinaigrette just before serving to avoid soggy greens
  • Add grilled chicken or quinoa for a heartier meal

Flavor Variations

  • Swap pecans with walnuts or pumpkin seeds
  • Try goat cheese instead of feta for a milder, creamier touch
  • Add sliced pears or pomegranate seeds for a twist

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, or crusty artisan bread. It’s also lovely served in a hollowed-out apple or mini pumpkin for extra flair! One of the Best Salad Recipes to grace your table this season.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prep all ingredients in advance and store them separately. Assemble and dress right before serving.

Leftovers

Leftover salad will last 1-2 days in the fridge, though the apples may brown slightly. Store vinaigrette separately if possible.

Freezing

Not recommended, as the fresh components don’t freeze well.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this one’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temp!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples work well too.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely. Just swap the feta with a plant-based alternative and ensure the vinaigrette is vegan-friendly.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Totally. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad that just hits different. Maybe it’s the crunch of the apples, the creamy burst of feta, or that dreamy maple-Dijon dressing. Whatever it is, it captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving feast or just want to bring autumn to your lunch table, this salad’s a keeper. Grab your fork and dig in—you’re going to be obsessed with one of the best Fresh Salad Recipes out there. If you’re on the hunt for Harvest Salad Recipes or a standout Feta Salad, this one delivers in every way.

Autumn harvest apple and feta salad in a bowl
ChefMaster Emily

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is basically fall in a bowl. Imagine crunchy Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and tart dried cranberries all tossed in a maple-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s bright, fresh, and comforting—perfect for holidays or weekday meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Slice the apples thinly, crumble the feta, toast the pecans, and wash/dry the greens.
  2. In a small jar, shake together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  3. In a large bowl, combine greens, apples, cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta.
  4. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

To avoid soggy greens, add dressing just before serving. Chill apples for extra crunch and toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.