Name: Delicious Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for Fall Feasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Honeycrisp Apples (Substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples); 1 medium Butternut Squash (Roasted for a rich, earthy taste); 6 cups Mixed Salad Greens (Use arugula or spinach for flavor twist); ⅓ cup Feta Cheese (Use goat cheese or blue cheese for variation); ⅓ cup Dried Cranberries (Consider chopped figs or pomegranate seeds); ¼ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Almonds or sunflower seeds are nut-free alternatives); ¼ unit Red Onion (Thinly sliced); 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (Essential for roasting and dressing); 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (White wine vinegar is a substitute); 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Aids in emulsifying the vinaigrette); 1 teaspoon Honey (Maple syrup works for a vegan alternative); Salt (Use sparingly); Pepper (Use freshly ground)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The moment the leaves start to flutter down and the crisp air fills my lungs, I can’t help but crave the vibrant flavors of fall. That’s when I turn to my Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad—a delicious celebration of the season! With juicy Honeycrisp apples, earthy roasted butternut squash, and a sprinkle of tangy feta, this salad not only captures the essence of autumn but is also a quick, delightful dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Perfect as a fresh side for Thanksgiving feasts or as a light lunch on a cozy afternoon, it’s impossible to resist the colorful medley of flavors and satisfying textures. Curious about how to bring this seasonal delight to your table? Let’s dive in!

Why is this salad a must-try?

Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet Honeycrisp apples and tangy feta creates a delightful contrast that dances on your palate.

Quick Assembly: In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare this vibrant dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Seasonal Ingredients: Celebrate fall with this recipe, featuring seasonal produce like roasted butternut squash and fresh apples that highlight autumn’s bounty.

Versatile Pairings: This salad can effortlessly complement grilled chicken or salmon, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.

Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and layered textures, it’s a guaranteed hit at Thanksgiving feasts or casual get-togethers.

If you’re looking for more fresh ideas, you might also enjoy our Radish Salad Roasted or the flavorful Millionaire Peach Salad.

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Honeycrisp Apples – Adds a sweet crunch; substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples for a similar flavor.
• Butternut Squash – Roasted for a rich, earthy taste; sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter profile.
• Mixed Salad Greens (6 cups) – A base for freshness; use arugula or spinach for an exciting flavor twist.
• Feta Cheese (⅓ cup) – Provides a creamy, tangy note; goat cheese or blue cheese can change the taste experience.
• Dried Cranberries (⅓ cup) – Offers sweetness and vibrant color; consider chopped figs or pomegranate seeds for a fun variation.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (¼ cup) – Adds delightful crunch; almonds or sunflower seeds are great nut-free alternatives.
• Red Onion (¼, thinly sliced) – Delivers sharpness and beautiful color to the dish.

For the Vinaigrette
• Olive Oil (4 tablespoons) – Essential for roasting and dressing; ensures a rich mouthfeel.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons) – Adds a nice acidity to balance flavors; white wine vinegar is a great substitute.
• Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon) – Imparts a zesty kick and aids in emulsifying the vinaigrette.
• Honey (1 teaspoon) – Sweetens dressing naturally; maple syrup works well for a vegan alternative.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances the overall taste; use sparingly, as feta adds its own saltiness.

With these fresh ingredients, your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad will shine bright at any table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will be perfect for roasting the butternut squash, ensuring it turns tender and caramelized. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheet and prep your butternut squash by peeling and cubing it into small, even pieces—this ensures uniform cooking.

Step 2: Roast the Squash
Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and freshly ground pepper on the baking sheet. Spread the squash in a single layer for even roasting. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the squash is fork-tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette
While your butternut squash roasts, take a small mixing bowl and whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Season this vinaigrette with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until it becomes slightly thickened and emulsified, showcasing a beautiful blend of colors and flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, create a base with 6 cups of mixed salad greens. Layer in the sliced Honeycrisp apples, ensuring the sweetness is evenly distributed. After removing the roasted squash from the oven and letting it cool for a few minutes, add it to the salad, along with ⅓ cup of crumbled feta cheese, ⅓ cup of dried cranberries, and ¼ cup of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Toss and Serve
Just before serving your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the top. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients without wilting the greens. This colorful dish is now ready to brighten up your table, making it an inviting side for your fall feasts or a light lunch treat!

How to Store and Freeze Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Fridge: Store leftover Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Room Temperature: It’s best enjoyed fresh—avoid leaving the salad out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and quality.

Reheating: If you have leftover roasted butternut squash, reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before adding it back to the salad if desired, but avoid reheating the entire salad.

Make Ahead: Prep all salad components in advance—but keep the dressing and apples separate until ready to serve for the best taste and texture experience.

What to Serve with Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Elevate your meal experience by pairing this vibrant salad with complementary dishes that tantalize the senses.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, tender chicken adds a savory contrast. Its charred flavor enhances the sweetness of the salad.
Roasted Salmon: Rich and flaky, salmon brings a healthy fat to the table, beautifully balancing the tangy feta and sweet apples.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, fluffy quinoa pilaf introduces a unique texture while adding protein—a wholesome complement to the salad.
Creamy Potato Soup: The warmth and creaminess of a potato soup provide a cozy contrast, perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.
Cranberry-Walnut Bread: This bread brings together the sweet and nutty flavors, echoing the salad’s ingredients while adding heartiness to the meal.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay offers a delightful acidity that pairs beautifully with the savory and slightly sweet elements of the salad.
Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoy this warm beverage alongside the meal—its cinnamon notes echo fall flavors and offer a comforting finish.
Dark Chocolate Tart: For dessert, a rich dark chocolate tart is a decadent way to wrap up the meal, balancing the sweetness of the salad with its rich cocoa.

These pairings not only enhance the autumn flavors of your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad but also create a well-rounded dining experience that embodies the essence of fall feasting!

Tips for the Best Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Chill Your Bowl: Keeping your salad bowl chilled helps maintain the freshness of the greens and prevents wilted leaves.
Roast Carefully: Allow the butternut squash to cool before adding to the salad; this will avoid wilting the delicate salad greens.
Toast to Enhance: For added depth of flavor, toast nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before integrating them into your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
Dress Wisely: Toss the salad with vinaigrette just before serving. This ensures the greens stay crisp and avoids a soggy salad.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality feta and fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your salad, truly elevating this fall dish.

Make Ahead Options

These Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad components are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooled squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and texture. For the best results, slice the Honeycrisp apples fresh right before serving, or toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning if prepped ahead. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, combine the prepped ingredients and drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving for a fresher taste. This way, you’ll have a vibrant and delicious salad with minimal effort!

Variations of Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Feel free to make this delightful salad your own by exploring these tasty twists!

Dairy-Free: Swap feta cheese for avocado or a vegan cheese alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.
Grain-Addict: Introduce quinoa or farro to add heartiness and a chewy texture, turning this salad into a filling main dish.
Nut-Free: Substitute chopped sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the pecans or walnuts, making it friendly for nut allergies.
Sweetener Switch: Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing that maintains sweetness without compromising flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic layer that brightens up the season’s flavors.
Heat It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that nicely contrasts the sweet apples.
Fruit Variations: Play with seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries, adjusting the freshness to your liking.
Roasted Veggie Swap: Opt for roasted brussels sprouts or carrots in place of butternut squash to shake up the flavors while still enjoying that roasted goodness.

For more delicious salads, consider trying our Smashed Potato Salad or the refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad. Each one offers unique flavors that are sure to please!

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to choose ripe Honeycrisp apples?
Absolutely! When selecting Honeycrisp apples, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from dark spots all over. The skin should have a nice sheen, and they should feel heavy for their size. If you’re in a pinch, Fuji or Pink Lady apples make great substitutes while still delivering a sweet crunch.

How should I store leftovers of the Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, and it’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remember to store the vinaigrette separately so your greens don’t get soggy. Just give it a gentle toss before enjoying!

Can I freeze components of Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad?
Very! If you’ve got extra roasted butternut squash, it’s perfectly fine to freeze it. Just let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently before adding it back to your salad.

What if my butternut squash is mushy after roasting?
If your butternut squash turns out mushy, it may have been roasted too long or cooked at too low of a temperature. To prevent this next time, keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking, as it should be tender but not falling apart. If you find the squash still isn’t roasting well, consider cutting it into larger pieces or adjusting the oven rack for better airflow.

Are there any dietary considerations for Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad?
Of course! This salad is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences. For a vegan version, simply substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Additionally, if anyone has nut allergies, swap out pecans or walnuts for seeds like sunflower seeds. Always check with guests for any specific allergies before serving.