Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, this salad combines crunchy maple pecans, crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, and sweet figs, all tossed with a rich balsamic dressing. It’s not just a fall salad; it’s an all-season favorite that can easily transform into a full meal when paired with your choice of protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet apples, creamy goat cheese, and toasted maple pecans creates a satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
• Seasonal Appeal: Celebrate apple season with fresh ingredients that highlight the best flavors of fall.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Apple Arugula Salad easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials to gather before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large salad bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Allows for even roasting of pecans, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
• Large salad bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures that your dressing is well-combined for optimal flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

This Apple Arugula Salad recipe is loaded with crunchy roasted maple pecans, sliced apples, goat cheese crumbles, figs and a balsamic dressing to pull it all together. This is the perfect fall salad to celebrate apple season and more. Comes together in just 20 minutes and complements so many dishes or easily a full meal with added protein!

For the Salad

• 3 apples (sliced very thin)
• 5 oz arugula
• 1/4 c red onion (sliced thin)
• 1/2 c figs (chopped)
• 1/2 c goat cheese crumbles
• 1 c pecan halves

For the Dressing

• 2 T maple syrup
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 c olive oil
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 pepper (to taste)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 3 T balsamic vinegar
• 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with the maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Arrange pecans on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Pecans

Bake for about 5-7 minutes or until toasted and darkened slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic dressing ingredients including olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add arugula to a large salad bowl. Arrange sliced apples, chopped figs, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled maple pecans on top of the greens.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over top of the salad. Toss gently to combine everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Serving Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans can elevate your dining experience. This salad is not only visually appealing but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various dishes or serve it as a standalone meal.

As a Main Dish

• Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. This will enhance the flavor and add nutritional value.
• Quinoa Base: Serve the salad over a bed of quinoa for added texture and protein. This makes it filling and nutritious.

As a Side Dish

• With Roasted Meats: Pair with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. The sweetness of the salad complements savory meats beautifully.
• Alongside Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup. The contrast in temperatures creates a delightful balance.

For a Picnic

• Packable Option: Prepare the salad without dressing and pack it in a container. Add dressing just before serving to keep the arugula fresh.
• Finger Foods: Include some cheese and crackers alongside for easy snacking. This complements the flavors of the salad nicely.

How to Perfect Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Perfecting your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your salad-making skills.

• Bold Flavors: Use strong cheeses like feta or blue cheese if goat cheese isn’t available. They provide a contrasting taste that pairs well with apples.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh, crisp apples and vibrant arugula for the best flavor. Freshness makes a significant difference in taste.
• Toasted Nuts: Toasting your pecans enhances their flavor and crunchiness. This step adds an aromatic quality that elevates the salad.
• Season Dressings: Adjust seasoning in your balsamic dressing according to personal preference. A little extra maple syrup can add sweetness if desired.
• Color Variety: Incorporate different apple varieties for color and flavor variation. Red, green, and yellow apples can create a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

When serving Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans, consider complementing it with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the overall meal while keeping flavors harmonious.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and earthy flavors, making them a great match for the salad.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus brings freshness and pairs beautifully with the maple pecans.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a comforting touch alongside the salad’s crunchiness.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda provides richness that balances the salad’s lightness.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy homemade cranberry sauce adds acidity that contrasts with the sweetness of apples and maple pecans.
6. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs adds texture while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer that pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
8. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs bring creaminess that complements the crunchy elements of your apple arugula salad perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans to new heights.

• Skipping the Toasting Step – Not toasting the pecans can lead to a lack of flavor. Always toast them for a richer taste.
• Using Overripe Apples – Old apples can ruin the salad’s texture. Choose fresh, firm apples for the best crunch.
• Ignoring the Dressing Balance – Too much or too little dressing will overpower the salad. Start with half and adjust according to your taste.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Thick – Thick slices of apples or cheese can overwhelm each bite. Aim for thin, even slices for a better mix of flavors.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning – Every ingredient’s saltiness varies. Taste your dressing before adding it to ensure the right balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the ingredients lose their texture and flavor after thawing.

Reheating Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

• Oven – Preheat at 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes, but avoid reheating if you want fresh arugula.
• Microwave – Use in short bursts of 10-15 seconds; however, fresh ingredients may wilt.
• Stovetop – Warm gently in a pan over low heat, but be cautious not to overcook the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

You can definitely customize this salad! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, other fruits like pears, or even proteins such as grilled chicken or chickpeas.

What types of apples work best for this salad?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal due to their sweetness and crunch.

How do I make a vegan version of Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

To make this salad vegan, simply replace goat cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.

How long does it take to prepare Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

This delightful salad takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish!

Final Thoughts

The Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that celebrates fall. It’s versatile enough for any meal—serve it as a side dish or add protein for a full meal. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!

Print

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a refreshing dish that brings together crisp apples, peppery arugula, and crunchy maple pecans, all enhanced by the creamy texture of goat cheese and the sweetness of figs. Tossed in a rich balsamic dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and savory. Ideal for any occasion, it can be served as a delightful side or transformed into a full meal with the addition of your favorite protein.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 apples (thinly sliced)
• 5 oz arugula
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup figs (chopped)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1 cup pecan halves
• Dressing: maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, balsamic vinegar

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pecans with maple syrup and sea salt; spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 5-7 minutes until toasted; cool.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl until combined.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, apples, figs, goat cheese, and cooled pecans.
5. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad just before serving; toss gently.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavor and color. Prepare without dressing if planning to serve later; add just before enjoying to keep greens crisp.