Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad to Brighten Your Table

Name: Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced; 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix); ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ⅓ cup dried cranberries; ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup); Salt and black pepper to taste

December 30, 2025 by Mae

Delicious honeycrisp apple salad with feta cheese and fresh ingredients on a plate.

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Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad to Brighten Your Table

Autumn whispers through the air as golden leaves dance in the cool breeze, and the scent of freshly harvested apples mingles with earthy undertones of roasted squash. In this season of abundance, there’s nothing quite as inviting as a vibrant salad that celebrates all the colors and flavors of fall. The Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is more than just a dish—it’s an experience, a celebration of the bountiful harvest that decorates our tables during this cozy season.

This salad is perfect for those crisp, sunny days of October when gatherings become more frequent, whether you’re preparing a festive feast for family or whipping up a weeknight dinner that feels special. Picture it: a table set against a backdrop of warm hues, laughter mixed with the aroma of roasted squash, and a fragrant vinaigrette that entices the senses, inviting everyone to dig in. There’s a comforting familiarity in the crunch of fresh greens paired with the tartness of Honeycrisp apples, rounded out by creamy feta. Everyone will adore it, and perhaps even ask for seconds.

What You’ll Need

Before you embark on crafting this delightful salad, gather your ingredients and tools. It’s all about simplicity combined with that touch of seasonal flair that leaves you feeling cozy and satisfied.

Ingredients

1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools

To bring this glorious dish to life, you’ll need a few basic kitchen essentials:

Baking dish
Whisk
Large mixing bowl
Skillet
Knife and cutting board

How to Make It

Crafting the Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is not only easy but also a sensory journey through vivid textures and delightful aromas. Let’s dive into the steps.

Prep the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to warm up like a cozy embrace on a chilly day. As the oven heats, take your peeled and cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, liberally sprinkling salt and pepper over the top. With each cube coated in oil, you can already envision how tender and flavorful they’ll become. Spread the squash on a baking dish and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, giving it time to caramelize beautifully until golden and tender. The kitchen will soon fill with a sweet, nutty scent that makes your mouth water in anticipation.

Build the Flavor

With the squash roasting in the oven, it’s time to whisk together a bright vinaigrette that will elevate your salad. In a small bowl, combine three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. As you whisk, watch the ingredients meld together into a luscious dressing, and take a deep breath to enjoy the tangy aroma of the vinegar mixing with the sweetness of the honey. Season with salt and black pepper, letting the flavors mingle as you prepare to layer this salad.

Assemble Your Salad

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Begin by thinly slicing your Honeycrisp apple and red onion, letting the crisp texture of the apple shine against the delicate layers of the onion. In a large mixing bowl, create a nest of six cups of mixed salad greens—arugula, spinach, or spring mix will all work beautifully, each adding their unique flavor and crunch.

Once your roasted squash has cooled slightly from the oven, add it to the greens alongside the dried cranberries, nuts of your choice, and the vibrant layers of onion and apple. Finally, scatter the crumbled feta over the top, adding a creamy richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and the earthiness of the squash. As you create this tapestry of flavors, you’ll be amazed at how colorful and inviting this salad looks.

Dress and Serve

Drizzle your freshly whisked vinaigrette over the salad, allowing it to coat each ingredient in tangy goodness. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor and texture. The colors will pop, contrasting bright greens with deep oranges and reds, creating a masterpiece that’s just waiting to be savored. As you plate it up, you can already hear the excited chatter around your table as family or friends delight in this seasonal dish.

Creative Twists

While the Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a standout on its own, there’s always room for a little creativity. Here are some delightful variations to try:

Holiday Enhancements: For a festive touch, add roasted Brussels sprouts or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and color.
Herbal Infusion: Mix in freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the earthy flavors, or elevate the dish with a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice element.
Grain Power: Incorporate some quinoa or farro for an added layer of texture and to make this dish even more hearty and satisfying.
Nutty Diversions: Swap the pecans or walnuts for maple-glazed almonds or sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile that still embraces the season.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a wholesome protein-packed punch that transforms this salad into a full meal.

Final Inspiration

As you make the Irresistible Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, remember that it’s more than just a dish; it’s a delightful invitation to embrace the beauty of the season. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed on a quiet evening at home, this salad brings warmth, color, and joy to your table.

So go ahead and toss those vibrant ingredients together, share this recipe with family or friends, and let it become a cherished part of your autumn traditions. Each bite is a celebration of the harvest, reminding us to pause, savor, and relish the shared moments that make life delicious. With every forkful, may you feel inspired to create, share, and cherish the beautiful abundance surrounding you this fall.

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