Description
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, nutrient-rich kale, tangy feta cheese, sweet candied pecans, and juicy pomegranate arils. Dressed with a zesty maple apple cider vinaigrette, this salad perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors, making it an ideal light lunch or side dish to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
- 6 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup candied pecans
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent apple browning)
Instructions
- Massage the kale: Remove the kale leaves from the stems and chop into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale for 1–2 minutes until it softens and becomes more tender.
- Prepare the apples: Core and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples evenly. If preparing ahead of time, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the apple slices, pomegranate arils, and candied pecans to the bowl with the massaged kale. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine well. Taste and adjust seasoning or dressing as needed.
- Serve: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the crisp and vibrant flavors of autumn.
Notes
- Massage the kale well to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice if not serving immediately to keep them from browning.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing for desired sweetness.
- Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch but can be replaced with walnuts or regular pecans if preferred.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.
