Honeycrisp Apple Salad is the perfect addition to your holiday table! This easy fall Honeycrisp apple salad brings together the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with feta fresh makes flavor-packed side too.
It’s one of those make-ahead salads for Christmas that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating. With Honeycrisp apples adding a juicy crunch, it’s a delightful mix of flavor and festivity.
Not only this salad is low-carb and gluten-free, but it also checks all the boxes for elegant Christmas salad recipes. Simple, festive, and so delicious, it’s bound to be a 5-star Christmas salad recipe you’ll return to every fall season!
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Why Make This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Recipe?
- Great for Skin Health: This salad is filled with nutrient-rich ingredients that benefit your skin, such as apples, greens, and olive oil.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Fall is apple season, so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of crisp, juicy Honeycrisp apples.
- Easy & Quick: With simple prep and a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for a holiday spread.
- Gluten-Free & High-Fiber: Perfect for anyone following gluten-free or low-carb diets, while also providing a healthy dose of fiber for digestive health.
- Great for Heart Health: The olive oil and fiber-rich ingredients support cardiovascular health, making this a heart-healthy addition to holiday feasts.
- Low-Calorie Option: A naturally low-calorie dish, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter side without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- Apples: This salad tastes best with honey crisp apple variety but if you can't find them you can use Fuji Apples, Gala apples or pink lady apples
- Greens: I have used romaine lettuce, Iceberg lettuce but feel free to use your favourite salad greens. You can use baby spinach, arugula, rocket, kale etc.
- Feta Cheese: A light, tangy cheese that adds creaminess without overpowering other flavors. You can use goat cheese as a substitute.
- Olive Oil : A good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon Juice
- Walnuts : You can also use pecans
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and chili flakes bring everything together, enhancing each ingredient’s flavor.
How To Make Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Recipe
Prep the Greens & Apples:
- Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your salad greens with a salad spinner—this step is essential to help the dressing adhere well to the leaves. Cut the greens into bite-sized pieces, which makes the salad easier to eat and ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
- Next, thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples and add a squeeze of lemon juice to the slices; this prevents browning and adds a refreshing acidity.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a mason jar, combine olive oil, unsweetened apple juice, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until emulsified, creating a smooth, well-mixed dressing. The mason jar method is quick and keeps things mess-free, though whisking or blending works just as well if you don’t have one.
Assemble the Salad:
- Now add the greens and some apples (reserve some) in serving bowl and mix. Then add the salad dressing and mix thoroughly.
- Now layer the thin apple slices and toasted walnuts evenly across the top. Sprinkle in dried cranberries to add a tangy sweetness, which complements the crisp apples and nutty crunch from the walnuts.
- Lastly, add crumbled feta cheese, which brings a creamy texture and slight saltiness, balancing the salad’s sweetness without being too rich.
Substitutions You Can Make
- Walnuts: You can use any nuts like pecan, almonds or pistachios.
- Greens: Romaine and iceberg are perfect, but if you like bolder greens, try baby spinach or arugula for a peppery flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or shredded mozzarella can be used if you’re looking for something creamier or less salty.
Creative Variations You Can Try
- Add Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted and slightly sweetened nuts like pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and holiday flavor that pairs perfectly with Honeycrisp apples.
- Include Seasonal Greens: Swap or mix your greens with arugula, kale, or spinach for an earthier, heartier base that contrasts well with the sweetness of the apples.
- Use a Tangy Dressing: Try a balsamic vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing for a brighter, more acidic kick.
How to Serve the Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Serve this salad as a vibrant starter for your holiday dinner or as a refreshing side alongside roasted potatoes. It also pairs well with other festive dishes like a cheese platter, charcuterie board, or a warm bread basket. This salad is also great as a quick, nourishing lunch when you want something light yet satisfying.
Storing
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.
FAQs
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
If you don’t have Honeycrisp apples, go for other firm and slightly sweet varieties like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples. These types hold up well in salads and offer a satisfying crunch similar to Honeycrisps.
Toss them with a little lemon juice, which acts as a natural preservative.
If you prefer a thicker dressing, add a bit more honey or Dijon mustard, which will help emulsify the olive oil. Alternatively, blend in a little Greek yogurt for a creamy texture that also adds a nice tanginess.
Absolutely! For a vegan version, simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a hint of savory flavor. You could also try toasted nuts for added texture.
You can whisk the ingredients in a bowl or use a small blender to emulsify the dressing.
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally low-carb due to its fresh greens and veggies.
To make this salad more filling, try adding grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. These options boost protein without overpowering the crisp flavors of the apples and greens.
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- Orange and Pomegranate Salad
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- High Protein Quinoa Salad Recipe
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📖 Recipe
Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples
- 12 ounces salad greens iceberg and romaine
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoon apple juice unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Walnut halves toasted or candied
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup Feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
Prep the Greens & Apples:
- Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your salad greens in a salad spinner—this step is essential to help the dressing adhere well to the leaves.
- Cut the greens into bite-sized pieces, which makes the salad easier to eat and ensures balanced flavor in every bite. Next, thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples and add a squeeze of lemon juice to the slices; this prevents browning and adds a refreshing acidity.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a mason jar, combine olive oil, unsweetened apple juice, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until emulsified, creating a smooth, well-mixed dressing. The mason jar method is quick and keeps things mess-free, though whisking or blending works just as well if you don’t have one.
Assemble the Salad:
- In the bowl with greens, layer the thin apple slices and toasted walnuts evenly across the top. Sprinkle in dried cranberries for a burst of tangy sweetness, which complements the crisp apples and nutty crunch from the walnuts. Lastly, add crumbled feta cheese, which brings a creamy texture and slight saltiness, balancing the salad’s sweetness without being too rich.
Dress & Serve:
- Just before serving, lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad, being careful not to overdo it—just enough to coat the ingredients. Toss the salad gently to ensure even coverage of dressing while preserving the delicate textures of the greens and apples. Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-packed Holiday Honeycrisp Salad!
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Notes
- Dry Your Greens Well: Excess moisture prevents the dressing from sticking, so make sure your greens are thoroughly dried.
- Thinly Slice Apples: Thin slices allow for a better texture and ensure the apples don’t overpower each bite.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavors, use fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially when it comes to the greens and apples.
- Dress Just Before Serving: This keeps the salad from becoming soggy and preserves the crunchiness of the greens and apples.
Nutrition
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