Ingredients
1 large Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
5 ounces mixed spring greens or spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Place pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove and let cool.
3. Wash and core the Honeycrisp apple, then slice thinly. Optional: toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine spring greens, sliced red onion (if using), most of the toasted nuts, crumbled feta, and cranberries.
5. Drizzle about half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add more as needed.
6. Top with remaining apple slices, feta, nuts, and cranberries for garnish.
7. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use a block of feta cheese packed in brine for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor—watch closely to avoid burning.
Make the vinaigrette ahead and refrigerate up to one week; shake well before use.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Assemble just before serving to keep the apples crisp and greens fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
