Description
This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines the crisp sweetness of honeycrisp apples with the savory touch of feta cheese and prosciutto. Featuring a mix of crunchy pecans, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate arils, all tossed with a flavorful apple vinaigrette infused with fresh herbs, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and seasonal flavors ideal for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Seeds
- 1/4 cup raw pecans
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Maple Glaze
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- flaky sea salt, to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 6 cups arugula or shredded kale
- 2 honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- Arils from 1 pomegranate
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Apple Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple butter (optional)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans and pumpkin seeds until fragrant and lightly browned. Drizzle the maple syrup over the nuts and seeds. Sprinkle in cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, and flaky sea salt, stirring to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the Apple Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, apple butter (if using), honey or maple syrup, fresh thyme, fresh sage, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula or shredded kale, thinly sliced honeycrisp apples, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and pomegranate arils. Toss gently to blend ingredients.
- Add Prosciutto and Maple-Glazed Nuts: Tear the prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and scatter over the salad. Sprinkle the maple-glazed pecans and pumpkin seeds on top for crunch and extra flavor.
- Toss with Vinaigrette and Serve: Drizzle the prepared apple vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto.
- Apple butter is optional but adds a deeper apple flavor to the vinaigrette.
- Use kale instead of arugula for a heartier texture and more robust flavor.
- Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to taste for desired spiciness.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Keywords: Autumn salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, Feta cheese salad, fall harvest salad, prosciutto salad, apple vinaigrette, pomegranate salad, healthy salad