Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe
A vibrant Apple Arugula Salad featuring sweet and tangy flavors, topped with maple-roasted pecans and creamy goat cheese. Perfectly balanced with a homemade balsamic-maple dressing, this salad offers a delightful mix of crisp apples, peppery arugula, and rich textures in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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
Maple Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- Sea salt, to taste (about 1/4 tsp)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Maple Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the pecans are toasted and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, arrange the arugula as the base. Layer with thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, and thin slices of red onion. Sprinkle the goat cheese crumbles evenly over top.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring the arugula and fruits are lightly coated. Garnish with the cooled maple-roasted pecans on top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best contrast with the sweet elements.
- Maple pecans can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference; start with half and add more if needed.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with crumbled tofu or a vegan cheese alternative.
- If figs are out of season, substitute with dried figs or fresh grapes for a similar sweetness and texture.
Keywords: apple arugula salad, maple pecans, goat cheese salad, fall salad recipe, healthy salad, easy salad dressing
