Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe
A refreshing Apple Arugula Salad featuring thinly sliced apples, peppery arugula, sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic maple dressing. This vibrant salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Maple Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
Balsamic 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)
Instructions
- Toast the Maple Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, toss the pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt until evenly coated. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pecans are toasted and slightly darkened. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the arugula in a large salad bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, thinly sliced red onions, and goat cheese crumbles evenly over the greens. Just before serving, drizzle about half of the balsamic maple dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve: Top the salad with the cooled maple pecans for a delightful crunch and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Apple Arugula Salad!
Notes
- You can substitute figs with dried cranberries or fresh grapes if figs are unavailable.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted walnuts instead of pecans.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing to make it sweeter or more tangy according to your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the apples and greens.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice before adding to the salad if preparing in advance.
Keywords: Apple Arugula Salad, Maple Pecans, Balsamic Dressing, Healthy Salad, Fall Salad, Vegetarian Salad
