Name: Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 apples (sliced thin); 5 oz arugula; 1/4 cup red onion (sliced thin); 1/2 cup figs (chopped); 1 cup pecan halves; 2 Tbsp maple syrup (for pecans); pinch of sea salt (for pecans); 1/2 cup olive oil (for dressing); 2 tsp maple syrup (for dressing); 1 tsp lemon juice (for dressing); 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (for dressing); 1/2 tsp pepper (for dressing); 1 garlic clove (minced, for dressing); 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (for dressing); 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (for dressing, or to taste)

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If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate apple season, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a true favorite in my kitchen. It’s not just about the delicious combination of flavors; it’s also a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for family, hosting friends on the weekend, or simply enjoying a meal on a busy weeknight, this salad fits the bill perfectly!

What makes this recipe special is how quickly it comes together—just 20 minutes from start to finish! The crunch of the roasted maple pecans paired with the crisp apples and fresh arugula creates such a lovely balance. Plus, it’s versatile enough to complement many dishes or stand alone as a light meal when you add some protein!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this salad up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Deliciously Nutritious: With fresh fruits and greens, this salad is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an even quicker assembly later.
Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with various proteins or can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This Apple Arugula Salad is all about simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully. 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

Add Some Protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas would make this salad even heartier!
Change Up the Cheese: Try feta or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for something different.
Mix Up the Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Seasonal Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits like pears or cranberries based on what’s in season.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss those lovely pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. This step brings out their rich flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your pecans are cooling, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl: olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. This dressing pulls everything together with its sweet and tangy notes—adjust the seasoning according to your taste!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add arugula as your base. Then arrange your thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted pecans on top. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your dressing over everything and gently toss it all together so every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this beautiful salad!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Making a delicious Apple Arugula Salad is a breeze with a few simple tips to enhance your experience!

Choose crisp apples: Select firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a refreshing crunch that complements the peppery arugula beautifully.
Toast pecans for flavor: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Just a few minutes in the oven makes all the difference!
Adjust the dressing: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak the balsamic dressing ingredients, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or extra lemon juice for brightness.
Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
Experiment with cheese alternatives: If you prefer a different flavor or need a dairy-free option, try using almond or cashew cheese crumbles instead of goat cheese.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

This vibrant salad not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your table. Here are some ideas to make it shine!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or mint brings an aromatic touch and enhances the overall freshness of your salad.
Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds add a pop of color and burst of tartness, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Quinoa pilaf: This fluffy side dish, with its nutty flavor and protein boost, pairs perfectly with the salad’s lightness while adding texture.
Grilled chicken: For those looking to add some protein, grilled chicken breast seasoned simply with salt and pepper complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes provide hearty flavors that balance wonderfully with the crisp salad.
Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover salad, ensuring nothing goes to waste!

By following these tips and suggestions, your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans will not only taste great but also impress everyone at your table. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is not just a delightful dish to enjoy fresh; it’s also fantastic for meal prep! You can make it in advance and store it to save time during busy weekdays or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the maple pecans separately.
Place cooled pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air before sealing.
Thaw pecans at room temperature or reheat in the oven before adding them back to the salad.

Reheating

If you’ve prepared your salad ahead of time, simply toss with dressing just before serving.
If using frozen pecans, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans in the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

How can I make the 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 kind of apples work best for this salad?

Any crisp apple variety works well! Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples add sweetness and crunch that pairs perfectly with arugula.

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

Yes! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa would make wonderful additions for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans a try! It’s such a vibrant dish that embodies the flavors of fall while being quick and easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or a potluck with friends, I’m sure it will be a hit. Enjoy creating this recipe and feel free to share your experience—happy cooking!

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Salad
Method: Toasting and Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a vibrant, refreshing dish that beautifully celebrates the flavors of fall. This quick and easy salad combines crisp apples, peppery arugula, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans to create a delightful harmony of sweet and savory tastes. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or as a light meal on busy nights, this salad is versatile enough to complement any protein or stand alone. With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, it’s an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Enjoy the nutritious benefits of fresh fruits and greens while indulging in the warm flavors of toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

3 apples (sliced thin)
5 oz arugula
1/4 cup red onion (sliced thin)
1/2 cup figs (chopped)
1 cup pecan halves
2 Tbsp maple syrup (for pecans)
pinch of sea salt (for pecans)
1/2 cup olive oil (for dressing)
2 tsp maple syrup (for dressing)
1 tsp lemon juice (for dressing)
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (for dressing)
1/2 tsp pepper (for dressing)
1 garlic clove (minced, for dressing)
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (for dressing)
1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt (for dressing, or to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss pecans with maple syrup and sea salt; spread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, pepper, and sea salt to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine arugula with sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles (or alternative), and toasted pecans.
Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss before serving.