Fresh Apple and Feta Salad

This time of year, I find myself craving fresh fruit - especially as a complement to crisp, satisfying salads. There's something about adding that natural sweetness to savory dishes that just feels right as the weather warms up.

Today's installment in our Spring Salad Series celebrates exactly that: Fresh Apple & Feta Salad with toasted pecans that perfectly balances sweet and savory in every bite.

Why Fresh Fruit Elevates Everything

I love how fresh fruit transforms a simple salad into something special. The natural sweetness of ripe apples doesn't just add flavor, it creates this beautiful contrast against the tangy, creamy feta cheese. Add in the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and fresh greens, and you have a salad that's both elegant and utterly satisfying.

What I love most about incorporating fresh fruit into salads is how it makes healthy eating feel indulgent. This combination works beautifully as a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish for dinner parties.

The Recipe: Fresh Apple & Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 16 cups romaine, spinach, or a blend of your favorite lettuces (I like to chop my leaves, but you can also tear them)

• 3 ripe apples, diced

• 1 cup feta cheese crumbles

• My Balsamic Salad Dressing (recipe link)

Instructions: 

1. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for a few minutes in a 325-degree oven. They're ready when they become fragrant. Watch carefully so they don't burn! Allow them to cool.

2. Place the prepared lettuce in a salad bowl, top with cooled pecans, diced apples, and feta. 

3. Dress the salad with my balsamic salad dressing immediately before serving.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad has become one of my go-to recipes for entertaining because it's both beautiful and foolproof. The colors alone, crisp green lettuce, ruby-red apple pieces, creamy white feta, and golden toasted pecans, create a stunning presentation that celebrates the fresh flavors of the season.

What's your favorite fresh fruit to add to salads this time of year? Head over to Instagram and let us know in a DM @rclinteriors.