Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crisp autumn air settles in, I find myself wandering through the local orchard, utterly captivated by the stunning Honeycrisp apples glistening under the golden sun. This season calls for something special, and that’s where my Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad shines. It’s a beautiful mix of crunchy Honeycrisp apples, creamy roasted butternut squash, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans all drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette. Best of all, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. Not only is it refreshingly simple to prepare, but it also celebrates the rich flavors of fall in a way that’s both nutritious and utterly satisfying. Curious to discover how to bring this delightful dish to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe together! Why is this salad a fall favorite? Colorful and inviting: The combination of vibrant Honeycrisp apples and roasted butternut squash makes this salad visually stunning, perfect for autumn gatherings. Flavor explosion: Enjoy a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, enhanced by the creamy feta and crunchy pecans. Versatile and customizable: Easily substitute ingredients to suit personal preferences, like using goat cheese or adding grains for a heartier option. Quick and easy: With less than 30 minutes of prep time, this salad is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday meals. Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious—serve it alongside a comforting soup like Garlic Potato Soup for a complete meal! Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Ingredients For the Salad Honeycrisp Apple – Provides sweetness and crunch; substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples for similar results. Butternut Squash – Adds creaminess and earthy flavors; can be replaced with sweet potatoes or delicata squash. Mixed Salad Greens – Offers freshness and texture; use arugula, spinach, or spring mix for variety. Feta Cheese – Provides tanginess and creaminess; swap with goat cheese or omit for a vegan version. Dried Cranberries – Adds sweetness and color; consider chopped dates or pomegranate seeds as alternatives. Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness; replace with almonds or omit for a nut-free salad. Red Onion – Introduces mild sharpness; substitute with green onions for a subtler flavor. For the Vinaigrette Olive Oil – Essential for the dressing base; avocado oil can be used for a different taste. Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity and brightness to the vinaigrette. Dijon Mustard – Adds a hint of sharpness and depth to the dressing. Honey (or Maple Syrup) – Introduces natural sweetness; agave syrup is a great alternative. Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, or until it’s tender and starting to caramelize, giving it a beautiful golden color. Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette While the butternut squash is roasting, grab a small bowl or jar and whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Season your vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and creamy dressing that’s full of zest. Step 3: Assemble Your Salad Once the butternut squash has cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. In a large salad bowl, combine a handful of mixed salad greens with the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, roasted butternut squash, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous sprinkle of dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Keep the vibrant colors and fresh textures in mind as you layer this delightful dish. Step 4: Dress the Salad Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad components, ensuring everything is lightly coated. Toss gently with tongs or salad spoons to combine, being careful not to bruise the delicate ingredients. The Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad should be bright and inviting, with the sweet and tangy flavors ready to shine through with every bite. Make Ahead Options These Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can roast the butternut squash and prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance. Allow the roasted squash to cool slightly before refrigerating it to retain its tenderness, and store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the mixed greens, sliced Honeycrisp apples, feta, cranberries, and pecans with the prepped ingredients. Drizzle the vinaigrette just before tossing, ensuring a fresh, vibrant salad that tastes just as delicious as if it were made that day! What to Serve with Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that enhance this vibrant autumn dish, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their richness complements the salad’s textures while providing a comforting base for your meal. Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, grilled chicken adds protein, balancing the salad’s bright flavors perfectly. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, wholesome addition introduces a hearty element that beautifully interacts with the salad’s lightness. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy edges offer a wonderful contrast to the sweet apples and creamy feta. Harvest Soup: A warm bowl of Harvest Vegetable Soup complements the salad’s fresh elements, making it a cozy autumn meal. Cranberry Ginger Ale: This fizzy beverage echoes the salad’s dried cranberries and provides a refreshing touch between bites. Apple Crisp: For a heartwarming dessert, apple crisp captures the essence of fall while rounding out the dining experience. Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet, tender carrots enhance the dish’s seasonal flavors while adding a splash of color to your plate. Spiced Chai Tea: A cup of this fragrant tea warms the soul, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors of your meal. Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Variations Dive into customizing this beloved salad with delightful twists and turns that make every bite a new experience! Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead of feta for different flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Sometimes, a simple swap can elevate the entire dish! Hearty Grains: Incorporate grains like farro, quinoa, or wild rice to create a more filling salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This adds a lovely heartiness and nutty texture. Vegan Option: Make it vegan by omitting the cheese and substituting honey with maple syrup. You’ll still enjoy that delicious sweetness without sacrificing flavor! Dried Fruit Alternatives: Swap dried cranberries with chopped dates, figs, or pomegranate seeds for a unique burst of sweetness. Each option will bring a new flavor profile to your salad. Nut-Free Twist: Replace pecans or walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch while ensuring it’s free from nuts. Perfect for those with allergies! Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley to enhance freshness and aroma. A sprinkle of fresh green can transform your salad into a herbaceous delight. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the salad. It contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples! To complement this vibrant dish, consider serving it alongside a comforting soup like Garlic Potato Soup or a refreshing Chickpea Salad with Grilled Vegetables for a complete meal experience. Enjoy crafting your own version of this delicious salad! Storage Tips for Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Fridge: Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Vinaigrette: Keep the homemade vinaigrette separate, refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Shake well before using it. Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad, as the textures will be compromised. However, you can freeze roasted butternut squash for up to 3 months. Reheating: If you’ve frozen the butternut squash, reheat it in the microwave or oven and then toss it into the salad, ensuring that everything comes together beautifully before serving. Expert Tips for Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Choose Crisp Apples: Select cold, crisp Honeycrisp apples to elevate your salad’s freshness. Avoid mealy or overly ripe apples that can dampen the texture. Cool Before Mixing: Allow the roasted butternut squash to cool slightly before combining it with the greens to keep them vibrant and crisp. Toast Your Nuts: For an enhanced flavor, toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain freshness, drizzle the vinaigrette over the Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad only right before serving; this prevents the greens from wilting. Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste the vinaigrette before dressing the salad! Adjust the sweetness or acidity to create a perfect balance that suits your taste buds. Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe Honeycrisp apples? Absolutely! When selecting Honeycrisp apples, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes or dark spots. They should feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness. If an apple looks a bit dull or has wrinkled skin, it’s best to find another one. How should I store leftovers of this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad? Very! To keep your salad fresh, store it without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the crispness of the greens and the texture of the ingredients. The vinaigrette can be kept separately in a sealed jar for up to a week; simply shake well before each use! Can I freeze the roasted butternut squash? Indeed! Freezing the roasted butternut squash is a great option. After it’s cooled completely, spread it out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer it to a resealable freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, reheat in the microwave or oven before adding it to your salad. What should I do if my salad becomes soggy? Oh no! If your salad seems soggy, it might be due to dressing being added too early or using overly ripe ingredients. To remedy this, you can try layering the ingredients again, ensuring the dressing is only added right before serving. For the future, remember: dress just before enjoyment to keep things crisp and fresh! Is this Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad suitable for those with nut allergies? Yes! If you’re serving someone with nut allergies, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts from the salad. You can replace the crunch with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative. Always ensure to check ingredient labels if you’re purchasing pre-packaged items to avoid cross-contamination. Can I make this salad vegan-friendly? Absolutely! To make your Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad vegan, you can substitute the feta cheese with sliced avocado or leave it out entirely for a lighter version. For the vinaigrette, replace honey with maple syrup to add that sweet touch without any animal products. Enjoy this vibrant dish no matter your dietary preference! Delicious Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for Fall Flavors Enjoy the refreshing taste of Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, bursting with fall flavors and nutritious ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 medium Honeycrisp Apples Substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples2 cups Butternut Squash Substitute with sweet potatoes or delicata squash5 cups Mixed Salad Greens Use arugula, spinach, or spring mix for variety1 cup Feta Cheese Substitute with goat cheese or omit for a vegan version1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Consider chopped dates or pomegranate seeds1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Replace with almonds or omit for a nut-free salad1/4 cup Red Onion Substitute with green onions for a subtler flavorFor the Vinaigrette1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard1 tablespoon Honey Or maple syrupto taste Salt and Black Pepper Essential for seasoning Equipment OvenBaking SheetMixing Bowlwhisksalad bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, or until it's tender and starting to caramelize.While the butternut squash is roasting, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a small bowl. Season your vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.Once the butternut squash has cooled slightly, assemble your salad by combining a handful of mixed salad greens with the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, roasted butternut squash, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans in a large salad bowl.Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg NotesSelect fresh, crisp Honeycrisp apples for the best texture. Allow roasted butternut squash to cool slightly before mixing to keep the greens fresh. Toast nuts for better flavor and dress just before serving to prevent wilting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
