Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of fall, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite in our household. The sweetness of the apples and figs pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula, all brought together by crunchy maple pecans and creamy goat cheese. It’s a salad that feels special enough for gatherings yet easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or need a side dish for a festive gathering, this salad is versatile enough to shine on any table. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy evenings when time is tight!
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet apples, tangy figs, and crunchy pecans creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and healthy fats, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—just add protein for a complete meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this beautiful salad. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, so let’s get cooking!

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 Pecans

• 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! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
• Go dairy-free: Swap out goat cheese with vegan feta or omit cheese entirely for a lighter version.
• Mix up the greens: Try spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for a different taste.
• Change the fruit: Pears or citrus segments can be excellent alternatives to apples.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Maple Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. This step enhances their natural flavor and adds a wonderful caramelized touch. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them; you want them toasted but not burnt!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While your pecans are cooling, grab a small bowl and whisk together all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. This dressing pulls all elements together with its zingy flavor. Taste it as you go; adjust seasoning if needed!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the arugula as your base. Layer sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and those deliciously toasted pecans over the greens. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your homemade dressing over everything and toss gently to combine all those lovely flavors.

Now serve it up! Enjoy this fresh Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans as a side dish or add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a hearty main course. Happy eating!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

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

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This will add depth to your salad, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
• Toast the pecans properly: Make sure to keep an eye on the pecans while they bake—they can go from toasted to burnt quickly! Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh arugula, apples, and figs will make a noticeable difference in taste. Quality ingredients not only boost flavor but also contribute to the overall healthiness of the salad.
• Dress just before serving: To maintain the crispness of the arugula and other ingredients, add the dressing right before you serve. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant.
• Experiment with cheese alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Presenting your Apple Arugula Salad can be as fun as making it! A beautiful presentation adds an inviting touch that makes every meal feel special.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Adding some chopped parsley or mint can give a refreshing pop of color and flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Additional nuts: A sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts or almonds can enhance the crunch factor while adding an appealing visual element.
• Edible flowers: If you’re feeling fancy, garnishing with edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies not only looks stunning but also adds a unique twist to your salad.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: This light and fluffy dish is filled with herbs and spices. It complements the salad’s flavors perfectly while adding protein and fiber.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Seasoned simply with lemon and herbs, these skewers offer a tasty protein option that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of your salad.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a delightful contrast with the tangy dressing in your salad, making it a hearty addition.
• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup can balance out the crispness of the salad, making for a comforting meal that’s perfect for fall evenings.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans! Whether it’s a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare elements ahead of time, making it easy to assemble whenever you’re ready to enjoy a fresh and delicious salad.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• If possible, store the apples and arugula separately to prevent wilting.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze the pecans if you have leftovers.
• Place cooled, roasted maple pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• The salad should not be reheated as it’s best served cold.
• If you’ve frozen pecans, simply thaw them at room temperature before adding them to your salad.

FAQs

Have questions about this refreshing salad? Here are some common queries!

Can I make the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans vegan?

Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese option.

How can I customize the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds, replace figs with dried cranberries or raisins, and even toss in some grilled chicken or tofu for added protein!

What type of apples work best in this salad?

Crispy apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are great choices as they provide sweetness and crunch that pairs beautifully with arugula.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall and makes a fantastic addition to any meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!