Winter Salad with Apples and Feta: A Cozy Recipe to Warm Your Heart
When winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of fresh, vibrant ingredients dancing together in a bowl. It’s as if nature has gifted us a cozy palette of flavors, and this Winter Salad with Apples and Feta is the perfect way to celebrate that bounty. Picture yourself wrapped in a soft blanket, enjoying the crisp air outside, as you slice through the tender apples and crumble the creamy feta. This dish instantly transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up simple, wholesome salads that told stories of love and warmth.
As the days get shorter and the air becomes chilly, simple, fresh meals are a joyful reminder of the comforting moments we can create in our own homes. This delightful salad combines juicy apples, rich feta, and crunchy nuts, making it the ideal choice for a cozy lunch or a festive dinner gathering. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Fresh & Flavorful: The sweet apples pair beautifully with creamy feta and crunchy walnuts for a delightful taste sensation.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients, this winter salad is a healthy choice that satisfies without weighing you down.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, will love the blend of textures and flavors. It’s great for family meals!
- Versatile: This salad can easily be customized for seasonal ingredients or your taste preferences, making it a go-to dish all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Winter Salad with Apples and Feta
To create this scrumptious Winter Salad, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Now, let’s dive into creating this delightful salad step-by-step:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your Winter Salad! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Add Some Protein: Toss in sliced grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Swap the feta for goat cheese or a creamy blue cheese for a zesty twist.
- Incorporate Seasonal Fruits: Try adding slices of pear or citrus for a refreshing, zesty flavor.
- Experiment with Nuts: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your salad is as delightful as possible, here are some of my top tips:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Ingredient Swaps: Use whatever greens you have on hand—spinach, arugula, or even kale work beautifully in this recipe!
- Slicing Tips: To achieve perfectly sliced apples, use a sharp knife or a mandolin for even, thin slices.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but keep the vinaigrette separate to maintain freshness.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition for one serving of this cozy salad:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about this scrumptious salad? Here are some common questions answered:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing to keep the salad fresh.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits, nuts, or greens—this salad is versatile!
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but keep the vinaigrette separate.
- How long does it last? Enjoy your Winter Salad within 2 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Salad with Apples and Feta is a celebration of winter’s bounty that nourishes both body and soul. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to chilly days and is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and joy, just like my grandmother’s salads did for me.
Save this Winter Salad with Apples and Feta to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every lovely bite!
Print
Winter Salad with Apples and Feta
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy winter salad that combines fresh greens, sweet apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts for a delightful taste sensation.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Notes
For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas. You can also swap feta for goat cheese or use seasonal fruits like pears.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: winter salad, apples, feta, healthy recipe, quick meal, cozy food