Crisp Autumn Apple & Feta Harvest Salad

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Created on September 4th, 2025 at 08:36 pm

Sweet, tangy, and bursting with fall flavor

Looking for a fresh twist on fall salads? This Autumn Apple & Feta Harvest Salad blends crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and a zingy apple cider vinaigrette into one unforgettable bowl of flavor. Perfect for a Thanksgiving starter, cozy dinner side, or a quick weekday lunch, it’s a celebration of everything we love about fall produce. With no cooking required and just 15 minutes to prep, it’s ideal for busy days when you still want something beautiful, seasonal, and nourishing. Whether you’re hosting or meal prepping, this salad adds color and crunch to every plate. 🍎🥗

Apple feta salad with grilled chicken on mixed greens

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup pecans, toasted (or walnuts)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

For the Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Small jar or bowl for dressing
Salad tongs or wooden spoon

🥗 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Prep the greens
In a large salad bowl, layer your mixed greens. 🍃
Slice and layer the fruit & veggies
Thinly slice the Honeycrisp apple and red onion. Add them to the bowl along with dried cranberries.
Add the toppings
Sprinkle crumbled feta, toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds (if using), and half the pomegranate seeds on top.
Mix the dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until creamy and emulsified. 🍯
Toss it up
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. The greens should be lightly coated and not soggy.
Garnish & serve
Top with the remaining pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme for a final burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately! ✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

Meal Prep Friendly: Slice apples and onions ahead of time and keep the dressing separate. Toss just before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Add Protein: Grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted chickpeas make it more filling.
Storage Tip: Keep components separate and combine just before serving. Dressed salad doesn’t keep well overnight.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	290	7g	22g	20g	4g	15g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.