Description
Fresh, crisp, and full of fall flavor, this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is an easy recipe that brings together juicy apples, hearty kale, creamy feta, toasted walnuts, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and a honey apple cider vinaigrette. It is perfect for healthy lunch ideas, quick dinner sides, holiday food ideas, Thanksgiving salad, easy fall salad recipes, and fresh meal prep when you want something colorful, crunchy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
6 cups chopped kale
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Remove the tough stems from the kale, chop the leaves, and add them to a large salad bowl.
2. Massage the kale with a small pinch of salt and a tiny drizzle of olive oil for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.
3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, then let them cool.
4. Core and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples, then toss them with a little lemon juice if preparing ahead.
5. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Add the apples, feta, toasted walnuts, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and red onion to the kale.
7. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
8. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, feta, or dressing, then serve right away.
Notes
Massage the kale before assembling the salad so it tastes tender instead of tough.
Toast the walnuts for the best flavor, but let them cool before adding them to the salad.
Slice the apples close to serving time, or toss them with lemon juice to help prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, fall salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, feta salad, Thanksgiving salad, healthy lunch, easy dinner side, food ideas