Crunchy Apple Feta Salad

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Crunchy Apple Feta Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, perfect for any season. With the crispness of fresh apples and the tang of feta cheese, this salad is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Crunchy Apple Feta Salad

The star of this salad is undoubtedly the Honeycrisp apples. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture make them ideal for salads. Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the apples. Walnuts introduce a nutty crunch, while dried cranberries offer a pop of tartness and color. The mixed greens serve as a fresh, leafy base that ties all the flavors together. The olive oil, lemon juice, and honey dressing enhances the dish with a simple, light coating that doesn't overpower.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
  • If you don't have Honeycrisp apples, Fuji or Gala are good substitutes.
  • Make the dressing in a jar for easy mixing and storage.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile enough to be a side dish or a light main. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It also complements a variety of soups, particularly creamy or root vegetable-based ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to prepare it fresh, but you can slice the apples and prepare the dressing in advance. Combine everything just before serving.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds work well and bring their own unique flavor and texture.

Crunchy Apple Feta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl that can comfortably hold all your ingredients. Toss in the mixed greens first to create a nice base. Then, add the sliced Honeycrisp apples. I like to slice them thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, so they mingle well with the other ingredients.

Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese. Try to distribute it evenly so you get a bit of that salty goodness in every bite. Follow this with the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, which add both texture and a burst of flavor.

Now, it's time for the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Whisk until the honey is fully incorporated and you have a smooth dressing. Drizzle it over the salad.

Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or clean hands, ensuring each element is lightly coated in dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare and ready in minutes.
  • Perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • Packed with textures: crunchy apples, creamy feta, and crisp greens.
  • Nutritious and satisfying without being heavy.
  • Adaptable with easy ingredient swaps or additions.

Ingredients

2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
4 cups mixed greens
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

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