Name: Delicious Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 medium apples (sliced very thin); 5 oz arugula; 1/4 cup red onion (sliced thin); 1/2 cup figs (chopped); 1/2 cup goat cheese (crumbled); 1 cup pecans (halves); 2 Tbsp maple syrup; 1 pinch sea salt; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tsp maple syrup; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 clove garlic (minced); 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

There’s something simply magical about the combination of fresh apples and peppery arugula, a delightful duo that awakens your taste buds with each bite of this Apple Arugula Salad. The tangy goat cheese, sweet figs, and crunchy maple pecans transform this dish into a gourmet experience right at home—who needs fancy restaurants when you have this easy, flavorful salad to whip up in just 20 minutes?

Picture gathering your friends around the dinner table, laughter echoing, as you unveil this stunning salad, glistening with colors that could rival a sunset. It’s the perfect addition to light lunches, summer picnics, or festive holiday gatherings, embodying that “wow” factor for family and friends. Plus, it’s so quick to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again, much to the delight of everyone who gets to enjoy it.

Why You'll Love This Apple Arugula Salad

This incredible Apple Arugula Salad transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Apple Arugula Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Arugula Salad:

3 apples – Choose your favorite varieties; sweet or tart will work wonders here, but I recommend crisp ones like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.

5 oz arugula – Fresh arugula adds a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the apples; opt for organic if possible.

1/4 cup red onion – Thinly sliced for a dash of color and a mild crunch; a little goes a long way.

1/2 cup figs – Chopped fresh or dried figs provide a natural sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.

1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles – Creamy and tangy, goat cheese brings a rich texture that ties the salad together perfectly.

1 cup pecan halves – These nuts, when toasted and coated with maple syrup, elevate the dish to a new level of crunchy goodness.

2 Tbsp maple syrup – Pure maple syrup is the secret ingredient for sweetening up those pecans; it adds a natural sweetness without being overwhelming.

Pinch of sea salt – Just enough to enhance all those great flavors in the salad.

1/2 cup olive oil – A dash of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and smoothness, helping links the ingredients together.

2 tsp maple syrup – This will sweeten the dressing; adjust to your taste preferences.

1 tsp lemon juice – A splash of brightness that balances the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.

1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds a kick to the dressing with its sharp flavor; a little goes a long way.

1/2 tsp pepper – Freshly ground black pepper for that added warmth and bite.

1 garlic clove – Minced for an aromatic depth in your dressing; it brings the everything together nicely.

3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar – This fragrant vinegar adds a rich sweetness and balances the dish marvelously.

1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt – Adjust according to your taste preference to lift all the flavors in this dish.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Apple Arugula Salad:

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the pecans with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until toasted, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. Let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning if necessary, and feel free to add more maple syrup or vinegar according to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, place the fresh arugula as the base. Layer the beautiful sliced apples, chopped figs, and slivers of red onion artfully on top. Don’t be shy, show off those colors!

Step 4: Add the Creaminess
Sprinkle the creamy goat cheese crumbles generously over the salad. This is where it really begins to look like a masterpiece – trust me, you’re going to want to show this baby off.

Step 5: Drizzle the Dressing
Just before you serve, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. You can always serve the rest of the dressing on the side for anyone who wants extra.

Step 6: Finish with Pecans
Top your beautifully mixed salad with the sweet, crunchy maple pecans for that final flourish. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite – the combination of flavors and textures will surely delight!

Now, gather around, dig in, and watch as this Apple Arugula Salad magically makes its way into everyone’s hearts (and tummies).

You Must Know About Apple Arugula Salad

This showstopping Apple Arugula Salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Apple Arugula Salad Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Apple Arugula Salad, begin by toasting the pecans for added flavor, then prepare the dressing while the nuts cool. Finally, assemble the salad so everything stays fresh and crisp.

Add Your Touch to Apple Arugula Salad

Feel free to customize your Apple Arugula Salad by swapping apples for pears or adding nuts like walnuts for variety. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or blue cheese, to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating Apple Arugula Salad

To maintain flavor and freshness, store the Apple Arugula Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have leftover dressing, keep it separate to prevent the salad from wilting. Enjoy within two days for optimal quality.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Apple Arugula Salad

This professional-quality Apple Arugula Salad relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing Apple Arugula Salad at a family gathering last summer had everyone raving about how refreshing it was. The combination of sweet apples and tangy goat cheese was a true crowd-pleaser.

FAQs About Apple Arugula Salad

What is Apple Arugula Salad?

Apple Arugula Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crisp, thinly sliced apples with peppery arugula, spicy red onion, and sweet figs, all brought together by creamy goat cheese and crunchy maple pecans. This salad is truly an explosion of colors and flavors, making it a showstopper for any meal. Often dressed with a rich balsamic vinaigrette, it’s an ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. Packed with nutrients and goodness, Apple Arugula Salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients.

How do you make Apple Arugula Salad?

To make Apple Arugula Salad, start by preparing the maple pecans by tossing them with maple syrup and sea salt, then toasting them. While the nuts cool, whisk together a simple balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced apples, figs, red onion, and goat cheese. Just before serving, drizzle the salad with half the dressing, toss gently, and top with the toasted pecans. Enjoy a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that’s simple to whip up!

What are some variations for Apple Arugula Salad?

There are countless ways to customize your Apple Arugula Salad to suit your taste. You can try swapping apples for pears for a different sweetness or experiment with various nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to add crunch. For cheese lovers, consider using feta or blue cheese to enhance the richness. Additionally, you can mix in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a splash of color and flavor. Each twist can bring a new experience to this delightful salad!

Can Apple Arugula Salad be prepared in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare certain elements of Apple Arugula Salad in advance to save time. The maple pecans can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. You can also whisk the dressing in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving. Once the arugula is dressed, it could wilt if left too long; keeping the dressing separate until ready to enjoy is key for maintaining freshness.

Conclusion for Apple Arugula Salad

In summary, Apple Arugula Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that highlights the freshness of its ingredients. With its crispy apples, peppery arugula, and sweet maple pecans, this salad is both healthy and irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special occasion or simply enjoying a delightful dinner at home, the Apple Arugula Salad shines with its colorful presentation and delicious taste. Embrace this recipe for a versatile and nutritious addition to your cooking repertoire.