Fall Apple, Cranberry and Feta Salad

Apple Cranberry Feta Salad with Homemade Maple Dijon Dressing

This Apple Cranberry Feta Salad with Homemade Maple Dijon Dressing is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy! Crisp Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and roasted pumpkin seeds come together over a bed of fresh greens, all topped with a delicious homemade maple Dijon dressing.

It's a beautiful salad for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or an easy weeknight dinner. One of my favorite ways to serve it is to keep all the toppings separate and let everyone build their own salad just the way they like it. It's simple to prepare ahead of time, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser! From my kitchen to yours-enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 large container (10 oz) baby spinach or spring mix

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (optional, if allergy-safe)

For the Homemade Maple Dijon Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil

• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk together or secure the lid and shake well until everything is combined. Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Greens

Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach or spring mix, if needed. Place the greens in a large serving bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

Thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples. Gather the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the apple slices, cranberries, feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds over the greens. You can toss everything together or arrange the toppings separately for a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Just before serving, drizzle the homemade maple Dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss. You can also serve the dressing on the side so everyone can add as much as they like.

My Favorite Way to Serve This Salad

When I'm serving this salad for family dinners or gatherings with friends, I love setting out all the toppings in separate bowls and letting everyone build their own salad. Some people love extra feta, while others prefer more apples or cranberries. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their favorite combination!

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is a great option when you're entertaining because so much of the prep can be done ahead of time!

• Prepare the dressing: Make the maple Dijon dressing a day or two in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before serving.

• Prep the greens: Wash and dry the greens ahead of time and keep them refrigerated.

• Portion the toppings: Measure the cranberries, feta, and pumpkin seeds into separate containers until you're ready to serve.

• Wait to slice the apples: For the freshest flavor and to prevent browning, slice the apples just before serving.

• Dress just before serving: Keep the dressing separate until it's time to eat so the greens stay fresh and crisp.

Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this is one of those easy recipes you'll want to make again and again—especially during the fall and holiday season!