Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall, this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is just what you need. This salad is not only beautiful to look at but also bursting with sweet and savory flavors that come together so effortlessly. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. The combination of crisp apples, peppery arugula, and crunchy maple pecans creates a delightful texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What makes this salad truly special is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up something that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you serve it as a side dish or add some protein for a full meal, this Apple Arugula Salad will surely impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when time is tight.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet apples combine beautifully with the peppery arugula and crunchy maple pecans, creating a salad everyone will rave about.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome fruits and greens, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dressing and roast the pecans in advance, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful salad. You’ll find that each component contributes its own unique flavor and texture, making this dish truly special.

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 great things about this Apple Arugula Salad is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal that keeps you satisfied.
• Change Up the Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or even a dairy-free cheese alternative!
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Mix in Seasonal Fruits: Try adding pomegranate seeds or sliced pears for an extra burst of color and sweetness.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps ensure they toast evenly without sticking. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch to your salad!

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. Making your dressing from scratch allows you to adjust flavors according to your taste! A well-balanced dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add arugula as your base. Then lovingly arrange sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, toasted maple pecans, and goat cheese crumbles over the greens. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over top of the salad and gently toss it all together. This step ensures every bite is flavorful!

Enjoy every bite of your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating this delightful salad is a breeze, but a few extra tips can take it to the next level!

• Choose fresh, crisp apples: Opt for varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that complements the peppery arugula.

• Toast your pecans properly: Keep a close eye on them in the oven; over-toasting can lead to bitterness. Perfectly toasted pecans add an irresistible depth of flavor and crunch.

• Make the dressing ahead: Preparing the balsamic dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing your salad’s overall taste.

• Add protein for a full meal: Consider incorporating grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Serve immediately after tossing: To ensure your salad maintains its freshness and crunch, toss it just before serving. This keeps the arugula vibrant and avoids wilting.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

When it comes to serving this Apple Arugula Salad, presentation is key! This stunning dish not only looks gorgeous but also makes for a wonderful centerpiece at any table. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint can add a bright pop of color and freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Extra goat cheese crumbles: Adding a few more crumbles on top just before serving adds visual appeal and creaminess that perfectly complements the crunchy elements of the salad.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make for a hearty pairing with this light salad, providing protein without overwhelming flavors.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with vegetables is not only nutritious but also adds a nice texture contrast when served alongside this salad.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the tanginess of the salad while adding warmth and comfort to your meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, provides a delightful crunch and vibrant color that pairs beautifully with the apple and arugula mix.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is not only a delightful dish but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily prepare the components ahead of time, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
• Enjoy the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the fresh ingredients like arugula and apples do not thaw well.
• Instead, prepare individual components (like the maple pecans) and freeze them separately if needed.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored the salad components separately, simply combine them and enjoy cold.
• For the pecans, you can reheat them briefly in a skillet over low heat to restore their crunch before adding them back to the salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may arise while preparing or enjoying this delicious salad.

Can I make this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in this Apple Arugula Salad?

You can use crumbled feta cheese, vegan cheese alternatives, or even omit cheese altogether for a lighter version of this salad.

How should I store leftovers from my Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Can I add protein to my Apple Arugula Salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa are excellent options to make this salad a complete meal.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep components separate until you’re ready to enjoy it!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans as much as I do! This recipe beautifully combines sweet and savory flavors while being incredibly simple and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients—there’s so much potential in every bite! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious aromas!