Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples is the crisp, juicy, and colorful salad your table has been waiting for. Bursting with sweetness from the apples, crunch from toasted nuts, and a tangy honey dressing, it’s the perfect balance of fresh and flavorful.

After 10 years of creating family-friendly recipes, I can confidently say this one always disappears fast. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, packing lunch for work, or looking for something light to pair with your main course, this salad delivers both texture and nutrition in every bite.

What makes it truly special is the Honeycrisp apple — naturally sweet, slightly tart, and perfectly crisp. Unlike other apples, it holds its crunch even after being dressed, giving the salad a satisfying bite long after it’s served. Tossed with leafy greens, creamy feta, and a touch of honey mustard dressing, this dish is refreshing, wholesome, and downright irresistible.

Let’s make this easy, crowd-pleasing salad together — ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish!

🧑‍🍳 Prep the Ingredients

1. Wash and core the Honeycrisp apples. Slice them thinly for the best texture.
2. Slice the red onion and crumble the feta.
3. Toast nuts if using raw pecans or walnuts (3–4 minutes on a dry skillet until fragrant).

🥗 Build the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, feta, cranberries, and nuts.
2. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

🍯 Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

🍽️ Dress and Serve

1. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
3. Garnish with extra nuts or cheese if desired.
4. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor!

Pro Tips

• Toss dressing last minute to keep the apples crisp.
• Dip apple slices in lemon water (1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 cup water) if prepping ahead to prevent browning.
• Use high-quality olive oil — it makes a huge difference in flavor.

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
• Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use vegan feta.
• Low-Carb: Skip dried fruit and add avocado slices or pumpkin seeds.
• Autumn Twist: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes.

Q1. Can I make Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples ahead of time?
Yes! Just prep all ingredients except the apples and dressing. Add those right before serving to keep everything crisp.

Q2. What other apples work for this recipe?
Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples are great substitutes if Honeycrisp isn’t available.

Q3. How do I prevent apples from turning brown?
Toss sliced apples in lemon water or a bit of apple cider vinegar to slow oxidation.

Q4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use vegan cheese or skip the feta — it’s still delicious with extra nuts for richness.

Q5. How long does the dressing last?
Homemade dressing keeps for up to a week in the fridge in a sealed jar. Shake well before using.

Q6. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm packaged nuts or cheese have no added gluten.