Description
A crisp and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Feta Salad combining sweet and tangy flavors with crunchy nuts and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, perfect for a light and nutritious lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Greens (Blend spring mix or spinach)
- 2 medium Honeycrisp Apples (Cored and diced)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Crumble)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (Can substitute with raisins)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional, toasted enhances flavor)
- 1/4 medium Red Onion (Soak slices in cold water if preferred)
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (High-quality extra virgin recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Omit if preferred)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all the ingredients, wash and dry the mixed greens, core and dice the Honeycrisp apples, crumble the feta cheese, chop the nuts, and slice the red onion. If preferred, soak the red onion slices in cold water to reduce sharpness.
- Whisk the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Ensure all salad components are ready and prepped: greens washed and dried, apples diced, feta crumbled, nuts chopped and, if desired, toasted for enhanced flavor.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, diced Honeycrisp apples, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and sliced red onion together until evenly mixed.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the freshly whisked vinaigrette over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently to evenly coat all components without bruising the greens.
- Serve with Joy: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and balanced flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- To enhance nutty flavors, toast walnuts or pecans lightly before adding to the salad.
- Soaking red onions in cold water for 10 minutes can reduce their sharpness for a milder taste.
- This salad is best served fresh; however, you can prepare the vinaigrette separately and toss just before serving if making ahead.
