Description
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this vibrant Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad, a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for lunch, light dinner, or festive gatherings. With crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, tender kale, crunchy toasted walnuts, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, this salad is a healthy snack and a show-stopping side dish in one. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast, easy dinner, or healthy food ideas, this salad has you covered with a nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly option that bursts with color and flavor.
Ingredients
2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
5 cups curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped
0.5 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging kale)
0.75 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.5 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. De-stem and chop kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl, drizzle with 0.5 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Massage for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Wash and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
3. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Cool completely.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. On a large serving plate, lay down the massaged kale. Arrange apple slices on top in a circular pattern or mix in casually.
6. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, and pomegranate seeds.
7. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Notes
Massaging the kale is key—it softens the leaves and reduces bitterness for a better texture.
Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a richer, nuttier crunch.
For best results, assemble the salad right before serving to preserve the crispness of the apples and texture of the kale.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 270
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: autumn salad, apple feta salad, kale salad, easy recipe, healthy snack, dinner ideas