Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

Introduction

The Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a celebration of crisp, sweet apples paired with creamy feta and crunchy autumn vegetables. This vibrant salad showcases the best flavors of the season, offering a refreshing contrast between tart, juicy apples and tangy, salty cheese. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or wow guests with a colorful starter, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Salad

This salad stands out because of its dynamic combination of fresh, peak-season produce. The Honeycrisp apples contribute a juicy pop of sweetness, perfectly balanced by the briny feta and toasted nuts. Hearty greens, roasted squash, and a maple vinaigrette pull it all together, making every bite interesting and satisfying. It’s an easy way to savor fall’s bounty in a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

The Secret to the Best Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

What makes this salad unforgettable is the contrast of flavors and the simple, homemade maple vinaigrette. Roasted butternut squash brings warmth and softness, while crunchy pumpkin seeds and walnuts provide a nutty, autumnal twist. For extra depth, toss your apples with a splash of lemon juice before adding them to the bowl—a quick step that amplifies their flavor and keeps them looking fresh.

Assembling Your Autumn Harvest Salad

Layer your fresh greens in a large bowl—baby spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuces all work beautifully. Scatter in slices of Honeycrisp apple, crumbled feta, roasted butternut squash, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts. Drizzle with the maple vinaigrette and gently toss until everything is lightly coated. Finish with an extra sprinkle of feta or a few whole apple slices for that restaurant-worthy presentation.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Salad

Serve this salad as a vibrant lunch, a side at a holiday gathering, or as a light, wholesome dinner topped with grilled chicken or salmon. Pair it with crusty bread or a cup of butternut squash soup for a cozy, complete meal. For a stunning presentation, arrange apple slices and feta crumbles on top and add a few fresh pomegranate arils for a burst of color.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving typically contains 250–300 calories, depending on the toppings and vinaigrette amount. It’s packed with fiber, vitamin C, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing, well-balanced choice that you can feel great about enjoying.

Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad (Recap)

Sweet, crisp apples and salty feta come together in this hearty, seasonal salad—accented by roasted squash, toasted nuts, and a tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and golden. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Core and slice the Honeycrisp apple. (Optional: Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.)
4. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted squash, sliced apple, red onion, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and feta.
5. Drizzle with maple vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently to combine, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta, nuts, or apple slices as desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This salad is an excellent addition to a weekly meal plan—easy to prep in advance and versatile for lunches or dinners. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to generate smart shopping lists and organize your meals for the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates the total amount of ingredients needed for all planned meals
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections for maximum efficiency
• Reduces duplicate purchases and helps you remember every ingredient
• Streamlines your meal prep process—saving you time and reducing stress

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals, schedule your recipes to consolidate ingredients—so if two recipes use feta or greens, you’ll always know exactly how much to buy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes