Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish, this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is just what you need! It’s a delightful blend of crunchy pecans, sweet apples, and creamy goat cheese that brings together wonderful textures and flavors. This salad has become a favorite in our home, especially during the fall when apples are at their best. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—just toss it together, and you’ve got a colorful side that everyone will love.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or serving it alongside your favorite main course, this salad shines in its simplicity. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes to whip up, making it an easy choice for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious salad on the table.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of apples, figs, and maple pecans creates a symphony of tastes that will excite your palate.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas!
• Healthy ingredients: This salad is loaded with wholesome ingredients that are good for you without sacrificing taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time for an easy assembly at dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Arugula Salad is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious recipe to life:

For the Salad

• 3 apples (sliced very thin)
• 5 oz arugula
• 1/4 cup red onion (sliced thin)
• 1/2 cup figs (chopped)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1 cup pecan halves

For the Maple Dressing

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of 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 garlic clove (minced)
• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

Variations

This salad is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Add some protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Change up the cheese: Try feta or blue cheese if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.
• Mix in other fruits: Pears or pomegranate seeds would also be delicious alternatives.
• Use different nuts: Walnuts or almonds can add a nice twist if you’re out of pecans.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt to coat them nicely. Spread the pecans out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and slightly darkened. This step is important because roasting enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients—olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. A good dressing elevates the salad by bringing all those lovely flavors together!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as your base. Layer on the sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and finally those delicious maple pecans. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. This moment right here is where all those beautiful flavors come alive—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating the perfect Apple Arugula Salad is a breeze with these handy tips that will elevate your salad game!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp apples and vibrant arugula will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Look for seasonal apples to get the best taste and crunch.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans not only brings out their natural oils but also adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid burning!
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: The beauty of homemade dressings lies in their flexibility. Feel free to tweak the balsamic dressing by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or extra lemon juice for acidity based on your preference.
• Layer Your Ingredients: When assembling your salad, layer the ingredients rather than mixing them all at once. This ensures each bite has a balanced combination of flavors, making every forkful delightful.
• Add Protein for Substance: If you want to turn this salad into a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa. These options complement the salad beautifully while boosting its nutritional profile.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Presentation is key when it comes to serving this beautiful salad! Here are some creative ideas to make it shine at your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Extra Goat Cheese Crumbles: A few additional goat cheese crumbles can make the salad look gourmet and provide extra creaminess.
• Pomegranate Seeds: These jewel-like seeds not only add visual appeal but also a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness of the apples.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Breast: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs makes for a hearty addition alongside this light salad, enhancing its protein content.
• Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy grain dish mixes well with various flavors and provides a nutritious base that pairs nicely with the apple arugula combination.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing and crispy elements of the salad, making it an excellent side.
• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup offers comforting flavors that balance out this fresh and crunchy salad, creating a wholesome meal experience.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate fall flavors in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare some of the ingredients in advance, making it a breeze to throw together when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s crispness.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended.
• However, you can freeze the maple pecans separately if you have leftovers. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating

• Since this dish is served cold, there’s no need for reheating.
• If you prefer a warm salad experience, you can lightly sauté the arugula and apples on low heat for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans.

Can I substitute goat cheese in the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a non-dairy option or simply don’t enjoy goat cheese, try using crumbled feta or a dairy-free cheese alternative that crumbles well.

How can I make the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans vegan?

To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already suitable!

What type of apples work best in the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Crisp and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work wonderfully in this salad. They add great texture and flavor!

Can I add protein to my Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa would be excellent additions to turn this salad into a more filling meal.

How long does it take to prepare the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

This recipe comes together quickly! You can have it ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors while keeping things light and refreshing. Whether it’s served alongside your favorite protein or enjoyed on its own, this salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and give it a try—I can’t wait for you to taste how delicious it is!