Description
This refreshing Autumn Apple Salad combines crisp mixed greens with tart apples, crunchy walnuts, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a homemade honey-Dijon apple cider vinaigrette, it’s a perfect light and flavorful salad that celebrates fall flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 2 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly to ensure they mix well with the salad greens and absorb the dressing flavors.
- Prepare the greens: Chop the mixed greens as desired and place them into a large salad bowl to create the base of the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the sliced apples, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese onto the bed of mixed greens in the salad bowl.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to distribute all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to add a refreshing crunch.
- Toast the walnuts lightly for extra flavor and crunch if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day with dressing separate.
- Feel free to substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a slightly different tang.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to taste depending on desired sweetness.
