This autumn-inspired salad is everything we love about fall—crisp apples, creamy feta, warm spices, and a sweet-heat drizzle from our Honey House Hot Honey. It’s fresh, vibrant, and layered with textures, from crunchy hot-honey–roasted pecans to salty prosciutto and juicy pomegranate arils. Toss it together in minutes for a cozy, seasonal dish that tastes like sunshine on a cool day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The hot-honey roasted nuts add irresistible crunch with warm cinnamon and cayenne spice.

• Perfect for fall gatherings—easy enough for a weeknight, elevated enough for hosting.

• Every bite is balanced, thanks to crisp apples, tangy feta, and a sweet-spicy vinaigrette.

• Quick prep: 15 minutes of hands-on work is all you need.

• Naturally sweetened with real, American-sourced Honey House Hot Honey.

• Customizable: Swap the greens, adjust the spice, or add your favorite fall toppings.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups arugula (or shredded kale)

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced

• 1 avocado, diced

• Arils from 1 pomegranate

• ½ cup crumbled feta

• ¼ cup raw pecans

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 3 tbsp Honey House Hot Honey

• ½ tsp cayenne

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• Flaky sea salt, to taste

• 3 oz prosciutto

For the Vinaigrette

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp Honey House Hot Honey

• 1 tbsp apple butter (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tsp chopped sage

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

Pro Tips

1. Crispy Prosciutto Matters: Bake it until just golden—overbaking makes it bitter.

2. Massage the Kale (if using): If you use kale instead of arugula, massage with a little olive oil for 30 seconds to soften it.

3. Don’t Skip the Spice: The cinnamon + cayenne combo gives the nuts their warm, fall flavor.

4. Use Cold Apples: Refrigerated apples stay crisp longer once sliced.

5. Dress Right Before Serving: This keeps the greens fresh and prevents wilting.

Instructions

1. Prep the spicy nuts & prosciutto:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss pecans and pumpkin seeds with 3 tbsp Honey House Hot Honey, cayenne, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until caramelized. Add prosciutto during the last 5 minutes and bake until crisp.

2. Assemble the salad:
   In a large bowl, combine arugula (or kale), apples, avocado, and pomegranate arils.

3. Make the vinaigrette:
   Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, 2 tsp Hot Honey, apple butter (if using), thyme, sage, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Toss & finish:
   Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss gently. Top with roasted nuts, seeds, crispy prosciutto, and feta. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

• Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Keep vinaigrette separately in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Hot honey nuts keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.

• Toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Notes

The combination of warm spices, crisp apples, and sweet heat from our Honey House Hot Honey creates a perfectly balanced fall salad. Roasting the nuts in hot honey not only adds flavor but gives them a beautiful glossy crunch that ties the entire dish together.

As always, using high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference. Our 100% pure, American-made Honey House Hot Honey adds vibrant sweetness and a mellow kick without overpowering the other flavors. It’s naturally raw, unfiltered, and crafted in small batches to preserve all of its natural goodness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this salad with:

• Roasted butternut squash soup

• Warm sourdough bread

• Maple-roasted chicken

• Chilled sparkling apple cider

• A fall cheese board with apples, nuts & herbs

Variation Ideas

While the classic autumn combination is divine, feel free to get creative with these ideas:

Honey House Recommendations

• Extra Heat: Add a drizzle of more Honey House Hot Honey right before serving.

• Sweet & Smoky: Replace hot honey with Honey House Clover Honey for a floral touch.

Other Great Options

• Swap arugula for baby spinach

• Add roasted delicata squash or sweet potato

• Replace feta with goat cheese or blue cheese

• Use pears instead of apples

• Add crispy chickpeas for extra crunch

• Mix in cooked quinoa for a heartier meal

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

• Course: Salad

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy