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Holiday Honeycrisp Salad – Crisp, Fresh & Bursting with Festive Flavor

This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is everything you want in a festive side dish — crisp apples, crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, tangy feta, and a bright, cozy homemade dressing that ties it all together. It’s refreshing yet comforting, colorful yet elegant, and the perfect balance to rich holiday mains like turkey, ham, or beef. Honeycrisp apples bring unmatched sweetness and crunch, while pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries add sparkle and tartness. Toasted pecans or walnuts give warmth, and the maple-cinnamon dressing brings the cozy holiday glow. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, potlucks, or winter gatherings, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples thinly sliced
  • 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
  • ½ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • ¼ red onion very thinly sliced (optional)
Maple-Cinnamon Dressing
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
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Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
  1. Wash and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples.
  2. To prevent browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice.
  3. Add to a large bowl with:
  4. greens
  5. dried cranberries
  6. pomegranate seeds
  7. nuts
  8. onion (optional)
  9. feta or goat cheese
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. Whisk together:
  2. olive oil
  3. apple cider vinegar
  4. lemon juice
  5. maple syrup
  6. Dijon
  7. cinnamon
  8. salt & pepper
  9. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
Step 3: Assemble
  1. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
  2. Toss gently to distribute flavors while keeping apple slices intact.
  3. Top with extra nuts or pomegranate seeds for a stunning finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Do not toss salad with dressing until ready to serve.
Store salad ingredients separately: up to 24 hours.
Store dressing: up to 5 days in airtight jar.
Leftovers (dressed): best eaten same day.
To prep ahead: assemble everything except apples and dressing.
🥄 Variations
Holiday Pear Version – Replace apples with ripe Bartlett pears.
Apple-Walnut Blue Cheese Salad – Use toasted walnuts + blue cheese.
Cranberry Vinaigrette – Blend fresh cranberries into dressing.
Maple Bacon Salad – Add crispy bacon bits.
Honeycrisp Harvest Bowl – Add roasted sweet potatoes.
Vegan Version – Omit cheese or use vegan feta.
Apple Almond Salad – Add sliced almonds + poppy seed dressing.
Warm Holiday Salad – Add warm roasted Brussels sprout leaves.
Protein Boost – Top with grilled chicken or roasted turkey.
Crunchy Granola Topping – Sprinkle with cinnamon granola.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use another apple variety?
Yes — Pink Lady or Fuji are great alternatives.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely — it’s creamier and delicious.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes — substitute pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, but homemade maple dressing is far better.
Can I prep the salad ahead for a party?
Yes — keep components separate until serving.
What else goes well in this salad?
Pears, roasted squash, quinoa, roasted pecans.
What greens are best?
Spinach, arugula, or a holiday blend with herbs.
Is this dressing sweet or tangy?
Perfect balance — not too sweet, lightly tangy.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes — thyme or mint brighten it beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is crisp, sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing — the perfect counterbalance to rich holiday meals. With vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and cozy maple-cinnamon dressing, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
A festive, crowd-pleasing salad that will brighten any holiday table.