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Autumn Harvest Apple Salad

Category: Fresh, Vibrant, and Flavorful

Enjoy a celebration of fall flavors with this vibrant salad, featuring sliced Honeycrisp apples, mixed greens, toasted pecans, and creamy feta. The apples add crispness and a sweet-tart bite, while the pecans bring nutty warmth. A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, highlighting seasonal produce and offering a satisfying contrast of textures and tastes. For best results, toast the pecans until golden and add dressing just before serving so the greens stay crisp and fresh. Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light main course, perfect for autumn gatherings or everyday meals.

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Updated on Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:33:21 GMT
A bowl of salad with feta cheese and apples. Save
A bowl of salad with feta cheese and apples. | deliciousbynina.com

This autumn harvest apple salad is my go-to for quick lunches and festive fall gatherings. The sweetness of fresh apples alongside tangy cheese and the crunch of toasted nuts creates a vibrant bowl perfect for savoring the flavors of the season. Ready in just twenty minutes you can serve this salad as a light meal or as a colorful side dish everyone will remember.

I first threw this together before a last-minute potluck and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The crisp apples and warm pecans keep everyone coming back for another forkful.

Ingredients

  • Honeycrisp apples: supply bright flavor and crunch look for firm fruit with glossy skin
  • Mixed greens: such as baby spinach or spring mix offer freshness aim for crisp leaves with no yellowing
  • Feta cheese: brings a tangy bite and creamy texture choose blocks in brine for best flavor
  • Pecans: add richness and toasty depth opt for whole raw nuts then toast to golden perfection
  • Balsamic vinaigrette: ties everything together use a thick glossy dressing for vibrant tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Apples and Greens:
Dice Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized chunks after washing and drying them. Rinse greens well in cold water and pat dry with towels to ensure no excess moisture stays
Toast the Pecans:
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir every minute and toast for five minutes until nuts are golden and exude a warm nutty aroma. Remove from heat quickly to cool and stop the cooking process
Build the Salad Base:
Add dried greens to a wide bowl. Sprinkle diced apples and crumbled feta evenly over the greens. Add cooled toasted pecans. Using clean hands or tongs toss gently to distribute ingredients without bruising the greens
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette slowly over the mixture. Toss again to coat each ingredient lightly ensuring the dressing reaches every bite without soaking the greens
Serve Fresh:
Spoon onto plates or shallow bowls right away. If you want an extra creamy kick sprinkle more feta cheese over the top before serving. Enjoy while apples are crisp and pecans are still fragrant
A bowl of fruit with cheese and nuts. Save
A bowl of fruit with cheese and nuts. | deliciousbynina.com

I am always amazed how the Honeycrisp apples hold their texture and shine even after slicing. My family now asks for this salad every Thanksgiving and my youngest loves to help toast the pecans.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra salad keep the greens and apples separate from the dressing in airtight containers. Pecans can be stored in a small jar on the counter. Toss everything together with vinaigrette only when you are ready to eat. This helps preserve the crispness of the greens and prevents the apples from softening.

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

Not a fan of pecans Try toasted walnuts or sliced almonds for a different crunch. Goat cheese can stand in for feta if you prefer a milder flavor. Any firm tart-sweet apple such as Fuji or Pink Lady works well if Honeycrisp is not available near you.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork for a hearty meal. Serve alongside hearty soups like butternut squash or pumpkin bisque. For a pretty presentation garnish with thin apple slices and extra nuts right before bringing to the table.

Autumn Inspiration

Apple salads are a classic in many cultures celebrating the harvest season. Feta cheese lends Mediterranean flair while the nutty pecans and sweet apples evoke traditional American autumn flavors. Using local apples whenever possible helps highlight the freshness of fall produce.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best in this salad?

Honeycrisp apples shine due to their crunch and balanced sweetness, but feel free to substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How do I keep apples from browning?

Prep apples just before assembling or toss them with a bit of lemon juice to help retain their crisp color and texture.

→ Can this salad be made ahead?

You can prepare the components in advance, but wait to add the apples and dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ Are there alternative cheeses to feta?

Goat cheese or blue cheese are delicious alternatives, offering similar tangy richness to complement the other ingredients.

→ How can I toast pecans without burning them?

Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes, removing them once golden and aromatic.

→ What greens pair well with apples and pecans?

Mixed baby greens, arugula, or spinach all make excellent bases, with their tender texture balancing the crisp apples and nuts.

Autumn Harvest Apple Salad

Crisp apples, greens, pecans, and feta unite for a fresh fall salad finished with tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min
By: Nina

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
02 4 cups mixed greens
03 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 ½ cup pecans
05 ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

Step 01

Wash and dice Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Rinse mixed greens thoroughly under cold water and pat dry completely.

Step 02

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans. Toss gently with clean hands or tongs.

Step 04

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss again until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Step 05

Transfer to individual plates or bowls immediately. Add extra feta cheese if desired and serve while apples remain crisp.

Notes

  1. Choose Honeycrisp apples for their exceptional crunch and balanced sweet-tart flavor that won’t brown quickly after cutting.
  2. Toast pecans until they smell nutty and turn golden brown, but watch carefully to prevent burning, which creates bitter flavors.
  3. Dry greens completely after washing to prevent diluting the vinaigrette and creating a soggy salad texture.
  4. Add dressing just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting of delicate lettuce leaves.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Tongs

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Pecans
  • Dairy (feta cheese)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 8 g