Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of fall, you’ve found it! This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. With its combination of crisp apples, peppery arugula, and crunchy maple pecans, it’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a wholesome salad.

What I love most about this salad is how easily it comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or alongside roasted chicken for dinner, it adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor to any meal. Plus, who can resist those sweet, crunchy maple pecans?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to for busy days.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits and greens, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy!
• Versatile Option: Serve it as a side or add your favorite protein for a complete meal—it’s super flexible!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet apples and rich goat cheese make this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the components ahead of time and toss them together when you’re ready to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your Apple Arugula Salad shine. These items are easy to find at your local grocery store and come together beautifully in this delightful dish.

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 Glaze

• 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 recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Add extra protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for added substance.
• Change up the cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try feta or even vegan cheese alternatives.
• Mix up the greens: Spinach or mixed greens work well if you want something different than arugula.
• Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. This step is crucial because roasting brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their crunchiness. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and slightly darkened. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once done, set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While those lovely pecans are cooling, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. This includes olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Whisking these together creates a balanced dressing that ties the whole salad together with its zesty flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add your fresh arugula as the base. Then layer on your sliced apples, chopped figs, sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and those irresistible roasted maple pecans you made earlier. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. This ensures each bite is bursting with flavor!

Serve immediately and enjoy every delightful bite of this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating the perfect Apple Arugula Salad is a breeze with a few helpful tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose crisp apples: Opt for varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, as their crunch and sweetness enhance the salad’s texture and flavor profile.
• Toast the pecans properly: Keep an eye on the pecans while they bake; toasting them just until fragrant brings out their natural oils and flavors, making your salad irresistible.
• Make the dressing ahead: Preparing the balsamic dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over your salad!
• Add protein for a full meal: If you’re looking to turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for extra nutrition and heartiness.
• Serve immediately after tossing: To keep the arugula vibrant and fresh, serve the salad right after tossing it with dressing. This ensures that each bite is crisp and delicious.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

This delightful salad not only tastes great but also looks stunning on any table. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or mint over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Microgreens: For an elegant touch, add a handful of microgreens just before serving. They provide an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s flavors perfectly. Season simply with salt, pepper, and lemon for best results.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a wholesome side that pairs well with the crunchy textures of your salad.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy provide a fantastic contrast to the salad’s fresh ingredients and enhance its fall theme.

With these serving suggestions in mind, your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week. You can prepare components in advance and assemble them at your convenience.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
• Enjoy leftovers within 2-3 days for the best freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients like arugula and apples. However, you can freeze the maple pecans in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw pecans at room temperature before using them again.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
• If you prefer to warm up any of the ingredients, such as the pecans, toast them lightly in a pan over low heat until fragrant.

FAQs

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

Can I substitute other greens for arugula in this salad?

Absolutely! While arugula adds a unique peppery flavor, feel free to use spinach or mixed greens if you prefer something milder.

How do I make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans vegan?

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

What type of apples work best in this Apple Arugula Salad?

Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Choose your favorite variety for a taste you love!

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

Yes! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted tofu can easily be added for extra protein, making it a more filling meal option.

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

This refreshing salad comes together quickly—just about 20 minutes from start to finish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors while enjoying something light and nutritious. Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal with added protein, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share how yours turns out!