Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is not just a salad; it’s an experience. Bursting with the crunch of roasted pecans, the sweetness of sliced apples, and the tang of balsamic dressing, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this salad is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe even more special is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful salad, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish if you’re looking to add some protein, but it’s absolutely delicious on its own too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet apples and crunchy maple pecans creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish; add protein for a complete meal!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple dinner, this salad fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients will be a breeze! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at your local grocery store. 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

This Apple Arugula Salad is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Include Other Fruits: Toss in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for bursts of sweetness.
• Change Up the Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta or blue cheese can provide a delicious alternative.
• Make It Vegan: Simply omit the goat cheese and enjoy all the other tasty flavors!

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt—this brings out their natural sweetness. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and slightly darkened. Keep an eye on them; burnt nuts are not what we want! Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together all your dressing ingredients: olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Taste as you go—adjusting seasoning will ensure your dressing perfectly complements the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as your base. Then artfully arrange the sliced apples, chopped figs, red onions, goat cheese crumbles, and those delicious maple pecans on top. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over everything and give it a gentle toss to combine all those lovely flavors.

And there you have it! Your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is ready to be enjoyed—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating the perfect Apple Arugula Salad is all about balance and flavor, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This combination adds depth and complexity to your salad.

• Toast the pecans properly: Make sure to keep an eye on the pecans while they’re in the oven. Toasting them until they’re golden enhances their flavor and crunch, making your salad irresistible!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh arugula and seasonal figs will bring vibrant flavors to your salad. The freshness makes a world of difference in taste and texture.

• Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the balsamic dressing according to your preference! Adding more maple syrup or lemon juice can enhance sweetness or acidity, making it just right for you.

• Serve immediately: For the best texture, toss the salad just before serving. This keeps the arugula crisp and prevents it from wilting.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

This delightful salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks beautiful on a plate. You can present it as a stunning appetizer or a light main dish, depending on your meal plans!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of nuts: Add extra maple pecans on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Fresh herbs: A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil can brighten up the dish with color and aroma.
• Pomegranate seeds: These add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: Marinated grilled chicken breasts provide a protein-packed option that pairs wonderfully with this salad, making it a complete meal.

• Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf adds heartiness without overpowering the flavors of the salad. It’s nutritious and compliments the fresh ingredients perfectly.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt add an earthy element that balances out the sweetness of the apples.

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: A warm slice of cheesy garlic bread brings comfort to your meal, providing a delightful contrast to this light salad while still being easy to prepare.

Enjoy crafting your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans! It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the ingredients in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• To keep the salad fresh, separate the dressing and only add it just before serving.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients. The texture of arugula and apples may change after thawing.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, toss it gently in a bowl for about a minute to take the chill off—avoid using heat to maintain its freshness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans that you might find useful!

Can I substitute goat cheese in the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, try using crumbled feta or a plant-based cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture without dairy.

What type of apples work best in the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

For this salad, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are fantastic choices! They provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To turn your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans into a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. These options will boost protein content while still keeping it light!

Is the dressing necessary for the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

While the balsamic dressing adds rich flavor, you can enjoy this salad without it if you prefer a lighter option. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans as I am to share it with you! This recipe is special because it combines sweet and savory flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy making this delightful salad, and don’t hesitate to let me know how it turns out for you!