Apple Arugula Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Apple Arugula Salad featuring thinly sliced apples, peppery arugula, sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and toasted maple-glazed pecans, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad 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 Tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of sea salt
Dressing Ingredients
- 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)
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the pecans are toasted and slightly darkened. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place the arugula. Arrange the thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled toasted pecans on top of the greens.
- Toss and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine the ingredients and evenly coat with dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- If figs are out of season, dried figs can be rehydrated or substituted with dried cranberries.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing for desired sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with roasted chickpeas or seeds.
- Prepare dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Apple salad, arugula salad, fall salad, goat cheese salad, maple glazed pecans, balsamic dressing, healthy salad