Apple Arugula Salad

This Apple Arugula Salad is an inviting combination of flavors and textures that truly celebrates the season. Imagine biting into crisp apple slices, tender arugula, and sweet figs, all harmonizing beautifully. Topped with roasted maple pecans and creamy goat cheese, this salad becomes a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish or a standout centerpiece for a meal, this salad fits the bill.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip together in just about 20 minutes. It’s the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. Fresh arugula offers a slight peppery note while the figs and maple syrup add a hint of sweetness. Each ingredient plays a role, coming together to create something truly special. So grab your apron and let’s get started on this enticing Apple Arugula Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

This Apple Arugula Salad showcases a delightful mix of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal. The sweet-savory roasted maple pecans create a balance that dances on your palate. At the same time, the creamy goat cheese elevates the savory aspects of the dish, ensuring each bite is a little piece of heaven. You’ll find yourself looking forward to each mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Arugula Salad

Preparing this flavorful Apple Arugula Salad is incredibly simple and takes just 20 minutes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy seasonal ingredients that evoke the essence of autumn. The freshness of the arugula combined with the sweetness of figs and maple syrup creates a truly harmonious dish. It’s equally enjoyable served solo or as a complement to your favorite main courses. You’ll find that every forkful bursts with flavor.

Ingredients for Apple Arugula Salad

For this delicious Apple Arugula Salad, gather the following ingredients:
– 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
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for the pecans)
– Pinch of sea salt (for the pecans)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 teaspoons maple syrup (for the dressing)
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Preparing the Maple Pecans

Toast the Pecans

To enhance the flavor of the pecans, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a bowl and toss the pecans with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt—this will add a beautiful sweet-salty contrast. Spread the coated pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until they’re slightly darkened and aromatic. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning! Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool; this cooling step is important!

Making the Dressing

Whisk Together Dressing Ingredients

While the pecans are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prepare your dressing. In a bowl, you will want to whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and minced garlic, then sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Taste as you whisk to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Assembling the Salad

Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the fun part—assembling your salad! In a large bowl, start by adding the fresh arugula. Layer the thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, and roasted maple pecans right on top of the greens. Finally, sprinkle the goat cheese crumbles over everything, adding a creamy touch that blends beautifully with the other flavors.

Tossing the Salad

Drizzle Dressing and Serve

Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle about half of the prepared dressing over the salad. With gentle hands, toss everything together to combine. This ensures an even coating of the dressing across all those vibrant ingredients. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy those fresh, delicious tastes!

Serving Suggestions

Your Apple Arugula Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted salmon. It’s a fantastic side dish for holiday meals or gatherings, and guests will be impressed with both the sumptuous flavors and the striking presentation.

Tips for Success

• Variety is Key: Use a mix of apple varieties to enhance the flavor profile.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the sweetness level of the dressing to suit your taste.
• Cool Pecans: Make sure the pecans cool completely before tossing them with the salad to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Variations

For a twist on this recipe, you can swap out goat cheese for feta if you prefer a tangier flavor. If you’re craving a protein boost, consider adding grilled shrimp or chickpeas to the mix. In case you can’t find arugula, spinach or mixed greens will work well too!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to avoid a soggy salad.

Pairing Ideas

Consider serving this salad with whole-grain bread or on top of quinoa for a complete meal that’s both wholesome and filling.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare all the individual components ahead of time. Just assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

2. What type of apples work best for this salad?
Sweet apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great choices, as they balance well with the other flavors.

3. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can serve as excellent substitutes for pecans, adding a unique twist.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, ensuring you store the dressing separately.

5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and combine them on the day you plan to serve it.

This Apple Arugula Salad isn’t just a salad; it’s a delightful celebration of autumn flavors. With its vibrant colors and rich tastes, it’s a nourishing and satisfying option for any meal. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy night in, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Each bite offers a little taste of fall, so relish every delicious moment!

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