Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish to brighten up your table, this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is just the ticket! It’s one of those delightful salads that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a potluck with friends, this salad will not only impress but also leave everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—just 20 minutes! The crunchy roasted maple pecans add a wonderful texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the crisp apples and peppery arugula. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to complement any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet apples and tangy balsamic dressing create a delicious balance that everyone will adore.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and wholesome nuts, this salad not only tastes great but is good for you too!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time! It holds up well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll find everything you need right in your local grocery store. Gather these ingredients to create a salad that’s both nutritious and incredibly tasty!

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

One of the best things about this salad is its flexibility! You can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add More Crunch: Toss in some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or leave it out completely for a dairy-free option.
• Mix Up the Fruits: Use pears instead of apples or add in some dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Include Protein: Top your salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. This step creates those irresistible roasted maple pecans that add both crunch and sweetness to your salad. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Taste as you go! Adjusting seasoning is key here; you want that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that will elevate your salad.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add fresh arugula as your base. Next, arrange sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and those delicious maple pecans on top. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your homemade dressing over everything and gently toss to combine. This ensures each bite is bursting with flavor!

Now all that’s left is to serve this beautiful Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans to friends or family—and watch how quickly it disappears! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating the perfect Apple Arugula Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some pro tips to enhance your salad-making experience!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and arugula make a world of difference in flavor. Look for crisp, seasonal apples for the best taste and texture.

• Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans not only enhances their flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch to your salad. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quite quickly!

• Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the balsamic dressing by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or extra lemon juice for acidity. Personalizing your dressing can elevate the entire dish.

• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve your salad right after tossing it with the dressing. This keeps the arugula crisp and the apples from browning too quickly.

• Add Protein for a Complete Meal: If you’re serving this salad as a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. This will make it more filling and nutritious!

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting it beautifully can make it even more enticing. Here are some ideas to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color.
• Additional Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or a few slices of fresh mozzarella can provide an additional layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, grilled chicken adds protein and makes this salad hearty without overwhelming its fresh flavors.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables provides a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of apple and maple.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes offer a warm contrast to the cool salad and add depth to your meal.
• Whole Grain Bread: A slice of crusty whole grain bread on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover dressing and makes for a satisfying addition.

Enjoy creating your beautiful Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans! Each bite is sure to be a celebration of fall flavors that you won’t want to miss out on!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare the components ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, as this will help maintain the crispness of the greens.
• Enjoy leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients losing their texture and flavor once thawed.
• However, you can freeze the maple pecans separately. Just store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed fresh and cold.
• If you want to warm up the pecans slightly, briefly toast them in a dry skillet over low heat before adding them back into the salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful salad.

Can I use different types of apples in my Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different varieties of apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for a range of flavors and textures.

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

To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply substitute goat cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. The salad will still be delicious!

What can I add to my Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans for extra protein?

You can easily add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to boost protein content and turn this salad into a hearty meal.

Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar in the dressing?

Yes! You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives. Each will lend a unique flavor profile to your dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is truly special – it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors! I hope you enjoy preparing it as much as I do. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal or perfect on its own. Happy cooking!