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Autumn Apple and Feta Salad with Maple Toasted Nuts

Autumn Apple and Feta Salad with Maple Toasted Nuts

Autumn Apple and Feta Salad with Maple Toasted Nuts is a refreshing and flavorful fall salad combining crisp, juicy apples, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy maple-toasted nuts. This quick and easy recipe balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette, making it a perfect side dish or light meal full of wholesome goodness and seasonal ingredients.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2–3 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach or arugula
  • 4 oz creamy feta cheese, crumbled

Maple Toasted Nuts

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Maple Toasted Nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the mixed nuts and drizzle with maple syrup. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until the nuts are toasted, sticky, and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Slice the Apples: Core and thinly slice the apples, leaving the skin on to enhance color and texture. For extra vibrancy, use a combination of apple varieties.
  3. Combine the Greens: Place the baby spinach or arugula into a large mixing bowl to create the base of the salad.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced apples and crumbled feta cheese over the greens. Sprinkle the cooled maple toasted nuts on top to add crunch and sweetness.
  5. Make and Toss with the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or Dijon mustard if using, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the greens or apples.

Notes

  • Use crisp, firm apples for maximum crunch and freshness.
  • Toast nuts gently, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure even coating of maple syrup.
  • Taste the dressing before tossing and adjust vinegar or sweetness to your preference.
  • Serve the salad immediately after tossing to keep the nuts crunchy and apples fresh.
  • Use high-quality feta or a similar crumbly cheese for best flavor and texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Toasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: apple salad, feta salad, maple toasted nuts, fall salad, autumn recipe, healthy salad, seasonal salad, quick salad