Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Name: Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 apples, thinly sliced; 5 oz arugula; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup figs, chopped; ½ cup goat cheese crumbles; 1 cup pecan halves; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for pecans); ½ cup olive oil (for dressing); 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for dressing)

Published: May 4, 2025

by Nora

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This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. With crisp apples, crunchy maple pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad stands out as a vibrant addition to your meal. Whether you serve it at a cozy fall gathering or as a light lunch, its balance of sweetness and savory notes makes it both satisfying and refreshing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Salad
For the Maple Pecans
For the Dressing
How to Make Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Step 4: Dress and Serve
How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
As a Side Dish
As a Main Course
At Gatherings
How to Perfect Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Best Side Dishes for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Reheating Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?
Can I customize my Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?
How do I keep my apples from browning in the salad?
What is a good pairing for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet apples and maple pecans creates a unique taste that will impress your guests.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it the star of your meal.
Seasonal Ingredients: Perfect for fall, this salad showcases seasonal produce for a fresh taste.
Nutrition Packed: Rich in vitamins and healthy fats, this dish is not only delicious but also good for you.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large salad bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Whisk or jar with a lid (for dressing)
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large salad bowl: This allows ample space to mix all your ingredients without spilling.
Baking sheet: Necessary for toasting the maple pecans evenly.
Whisk or jar with lid: Ideal for mixing the dressing thoroughly for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salad

3 apples, thinly sliced
5 oz arugula
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup figs, chopped
½ cup goat cheese crumbles

For the Maple Pecans

1 cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Pinch of sea salt

For the Dressing

½ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
¼-½ teaspoon sea salt, to taste

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the pecan halves with the maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until toasted and slightly darkened. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Whisk together until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add arugula. Layer on top the sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled maple pecans.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat all ingredients. Serve with remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer extra. Enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Serving this Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is simple and can be tailored to fit various occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad adds a delightful touch.

As a Side Dish

With Roasted Chicken: This salad complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken, adding a fresh and zesty contrast.
Alongside Grilled Fish: The lightness of the arugula pairs beautifully with grilled fish, enhancing the meal’s overall freshness.
Next to Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the apples and figs offers a delicious balance to the savory notes of pork.

As a Main Course

With Quinoa or Farro: Toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for added protein and texture, making it a hearty main dish.
Topped with Grilled Shrimp: Add grilled shrimp for a protein boost, transforming the salad into a satisfying main course.
Served with Chickpeas: For a vegetarian option, mix in chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

At Gatherings

As Part of a Buffet: This salad is visually appealing and perfect for serving at potlucks or holiday gatherings.
In Individual Portions: Serve in small bowls for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.

How to Perfect Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

To make your Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

Boldly choose your apples: Select crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
Boldly toast your pecans: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor, making them even more delicious in your salad.
Boldly dress just before serving: To keep the arugula fresh and crisp, add dressing right before serving.
Boldly customize ingredients: Feel free to swap goat cheese for feta or add nuts like walnuts for variety.
Boldly balance flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing based on your taste preferences by adding more maple syrup or vinegar.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

This refreshing Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal perfectly.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes provide heartiness to your meal.
Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup echo the flavors in your salad while adding color and nutrition.
Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans offer crunch and vibrant color that enhances any plate.
Creamy Potato Salad: A classic potato salad brings comfort and richness, balancing out the lightness of the arugula salad.
Couscous Salad: A Mediterranean couscous salad can add flavor and texture while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella paired with basil and tomatoes makes an excellent finger food side that’s also light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

Using stale ingredients: Always ensure your arugula and apples are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Check their quality before starting.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can drown the flavors. Start with a little and add more if needed, allowing guests to customize their portions.
Not toasting the pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor of the pecans. Skipping this step will result in a less flavorful salad.
Ignoring the apple variety: Different apples have various sweetness and tartness levels. Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for complexity in flavor.
Preparing too early: If you make this salad too far in advance, it may lose its freshness. Assemble right before serving or keep components separate until then.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
It will last about 1-2 days in the fridge.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it can affect texture and taste.
The ingredients do not freeze well together, especially arugula and fresh apples.

Reheating Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pecans for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on low power for short intervals, stirring frequently.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring gently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

This salad features fresh arugula, thinly sliced apples, crunchy maple pecans, goat cheese crumbles, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

Can I customize my Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or swap out goat cheese for feta. Experiment with different fruits as well!

How do I keep my apples from browning in the salad?

To prevent browning, add apples just before serving or soak them briefly in a saltwater solution.

What is a good pairing for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also makes a light dish on its own when served with added protein.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is perfect for any occasion, providing a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy its refreshing taste!

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