Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as vibrant as autumn itself, this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is just what you need! It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy maple pecans. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it captures the essence of fall with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something fresh and delicious without spending all day in the kitchen!

This salad is not only beautiful but also versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal with added protein, it fits right in any occasion—from cozy dinners to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Apple Arugula Salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet apples, savory goat cheese, and crunchy pecans creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like arugula and figs, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing.
• Flexible Options: Easily customize this salad by adding your favorite proteins or swapping out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this salad will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans uses fresh produce and pantry staples to create a dish that’s both delicious and healthy. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Pecan Topping

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• pinch of sea salt

For the Dressing

• 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

What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily change things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it a complete meal.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Change the Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or blue cheese can add a whole new flavor profile.
• Mix Up the Greens: If arugula isn’t available, spinach or mixed greens work beautifully too!

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. This step is key because toasting them brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly darkened and fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While those lovely pecans are cooling down, let’s make the dressing! In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and salt. This dressing ties everything together beautifully by adding a balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add your fresh arugula as the base. Next, arrange your sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and those delicious roasted maple pecans on top. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over everything and gently toss it all together so each ingredient gets coated.

Now sit back and enjoy this refreshing Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans—it’s sure to become a regular at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Making this delightful salad can be even easier with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Apple Arugula Salad shines.

• Choose crisp apples: Opt for varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Their crunch and sweetness will elevate the salad and provide a refreshing contrast to the peppery arugula.

• Toast pecans carefully: Keep a close eye on the pecans while they bake. Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly, so stir them halfway through to ensure even browning and avoid any bitter flavors.

• Make dressing ahead: Prepping your balsamic vinaigrette in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

• Add protein for a full meal: If you’re looking to make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. These additions will turn it into a satisfying main dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Serve chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your salad bowl in the fridge before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and enhances your enjoyment of the dish.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Presentation is key when serving this vibrant salad! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint can add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the salad’s flavor profile.
• Extra cheese: Crumbling additional goat cheese on top just before serving provides a creamy texture that complements the crunchy pecans beautifully.
• Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds add both visual appeal and a burst of tartness that pairs well with sweet apples.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy pieces of grilled chicken marinated in herbs bring heartiness and protein, making it an excellent pairing with the lightness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish offers a satisfying grain option that’s easy to prepare and complements the flavors of apple and arugula perfectly.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and warm spices from roasted sweet potatoes create a comforting contrast to the fresh greens in your salad.
• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup adds comforting warmth and pairs wonderfully with your crisp salad for a complete meal experience.

With these serving tips and complementary dishes, you can create an inviting dining experience that highlights your delicious Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring that you have a fresh and tasty meal ready when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the arugula and crispness of the apples.
• Leftover pecans can also be stored in a separate container at room temperature.

Freezing

• This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the nature of its ingredients, particularly the fresh arugula and apples, which do not maintain their texture after being frozen.

Reheating

• Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good toss with the dressing before serving!

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about making this Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans. Let’s dive into some common inquiries!

Can I use different types of apples in the Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! While I love using sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just remember that tart apples like Granny Smith will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the maple pecans.

How long will the Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last about 2-3 days. However, for optimal taste and texture, try to enjoy it within one day.

Can I substitute goat cheese in this salad?

Yes! If you’re looking for an alternative, feta or even a vegan cheese option can work well. If you’d like to skip cheese altogether, consider adding more nuts or seeds for added crunch!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this Apple Arugula Salad are gluten-free. Just ensure that any packaged items (like mustard) are labeled as gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans! With its delightful crunch from the pecans and sweetness from the apples, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or just for yourself, it’s a wholesome choice that celebrates seasonal flavors beautifully. Enjoy creating this vibrant dish—I can’t wait for you to try it!