Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any season. Combining peppery arugula, sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and tangy goat cheese, it offers a delightful balance of flavors. The homemade maple vinaigrette ties everything together with a touch of natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 cups baby arugula
• 1 large apple, chopped into bite-sized pieces (honeycrisp, fuji, or gala are best)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the maple vinaigrette by combining the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard in a small jar. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, then cover and shake gently until fully combined. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby arugula, chopped apples, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad.
• Swap goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Use a mix of apple varieties to enhance the sweetness and texture.
• Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for added color and tartness.

Storage

Store leftover salad dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The salad is best enjoyed fresh; if you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing apart, and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess. Toss gently after refrigeration and consume within 1 day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the maple vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just shake well before using.

What other greens can I use instead of arugula?

Spinach, mixed baby greens, or watercress work well as alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor.

Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Recipe

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5 from 147 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Apple Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula, crisp apples, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette. This light, easy-to-make salad balances flavors and textures perfectly, making it an ideal starter or side dish for any meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Maple Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Salad

• 6 cups baby arugula
• 1 large apple, chopped into bite sized pieces (honeycrisp, fuji, or gala are best)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the maple vinaigrette: In a small jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Cover the jar and shake gently until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Set aside to let flavors meld.
2. Assemble the salad: Place the baby arugula in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped apples, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Pour the maple vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
3. Toss and serve: Gently toss all the salad components together ensuring the dressing evenly coats each leaf and ingredient. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Toasting the sliced almonds lightly enhances their crunch and nutty flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
• This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the apples and arugula.
• You can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: apple arugula salad, maple vinaigrette, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, fall salad, goat cheese salad, almond salad