Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

If you’re looking for a refreshing and delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ll love this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans. This salad is not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors! Crunchy roasted maple pecans mingle beautifully with thinly sliced apples and creamy goat cheese, making every bite an experience. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. It’s quick to whip up—taking only 20 minutes from start to finish—and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. You can easily make it a full meal by adding your favorite protein. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious salad ready to serve!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet apples and crunchy pecans are sure to please picky eaters.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas!
• Seasonal Delight: Celebrate apple season with fresh and vibrant ingredients.
• Make-Ahead: Prep the components in advance for easy assembly when you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Each one contributes to the lovely balance of flavors in this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans. 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 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or even vegan cheese for a different flavor.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some crispy bacon bits if that suits your palate or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• Use different fruits: Pears or pomegranate seeds would also be delicious alternatives for an autumn twist.
• Change up the greens: Mix arugula with spinach or kale for added nutrients and flavor depth.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss those beautiful pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spreading them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet allows them to toast evenly. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and slightly darkened—this brings out their natural sweetness! Once they cool down, they become an irresistible topping for our salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While your pecans are baking, take a moment to whisk together all the balsamic dressing ingredients in a bowl. Adjusting the seasoning helps create a balanced flavor that ties everything together. This dressing will add that essential zing!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl, place the arugula as your base layer. Layer on those thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and those delicious maple pecans we just made. Just before serving, drizzle about half of your homemade dressing over top and give everything a gentle toss. This ensures every bite is coated in that luscious flavor!

Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans—it’s sure to be a hit at any table!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Creating the perfect Apple Arugula Salad is a breeze with these helpful tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This balance will give your salad a delightful flavor profile.
• Toast the pecans carefully: Keep an eye on the pecans while baking, as they can burn quickly. Toasting them enhances their natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to your salad.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance. Just toss everything together right before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Experiment with cheeses: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or a plant-based cheese alternative. These can add different flavors while keeping your salad creamy.
• Add protein for a meal: Incorporating grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa can turn this salad into a hearty main dish, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Presenting your Apple Arugula Salad beautifully will make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, over the salad just before serving for an aromatic touch that brightens up the dish.
• Extra maple syrup drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup just before serving adds an enticing sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Pomegranate seeds: Adding pomegranate seeds not only adds color but also provides a burst of juicy flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf with herbs and nuts makes for a nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts bring warmth and earthiness to balance the crispness of the salad.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Seasoned grilled chicken breast is a classic pairing that adds protein and makes this meal more filling without overpowering the salad’s freshness.
• Whole Grain Bread: Serve with slices of crusty whole-grain bread or breadsticks for a satisfying crunch that completes your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is not just a delight to eat but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare components ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best freshness.

Freezing

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the ingredients do not thaw well, especially the arugula and apples.
• If you have leftover roasted maple pecans, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad, as it is best served cold or at room temperature.
• If you’ve made the dressing ahead of time, give it a good shake before drizzling over your salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans!

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

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese in Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond feta or simply omit cheese altogether. The flavors from the apples and dressing will still shine through!

How long does Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until serving.

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

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa would make lovely additions to turn this salad into a more filling meal.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is truly a delightful dish that celebrates fall flavors while being light and nutritious. I hope you find joy in preparing this recipe as much as I do, and that it brings a burst of freshness to your table. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or mix-ins! Enjoy every crunchy bite!