As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn vibrant. You might think of cozy times around a table with fresh, seasonal foods. For many, this includes an Apple Arugula Salad from a fall market or family event. The mix of sweet apples and peppery arugula is a joy to taste, bringing back memories of loved ones.
This Apple arugula salad recipe is a true fall delight. It combines crunchy greens, sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy maple pecans. Add a zesty homemade dressing, and you get a dish that’s both healthy and celebratory.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make your own Apple arugula salad. You’ll find out about the best ingredients, tips, and easy substitutions. It’s more than a salad; it’s a way to enjoy fresh, healthy foods that bring joy and comfort to your table.
Key Takeaways
- This Apple arugula salad recipe features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious.
- The balance of flavors—peppery arugula, sweet apples, and creamy cheese—makes it a crowd favorite.
- It’s easy to customize with different toppings, allowing you to make it your own.
- Homemade salad dressing enhances the freshness and overall flavor of the dish.
- Perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners, this salad brings people together.
Introduction
Many of us have fond memories of finding great seasonal salads at local markets or family gatherings. The easy apple salad is a standout, mixing crisp apples with fresh greens. You might recall the taste of peppery arugula with sweet apples, all topped with a zesty dressing.
This salad is loved for its flavors and textures. The apples’ crunch meets the greens’ softness, with the dressing adding a burst of flavor. It’s a healthy and tasty choice for fall.
This article will show you how to make this delicious apple arugula salad. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, how to prepare it, and how to make it your own. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a big event, you’ll create a salad that’s perfect for the season.
Why This Apple Arugula Salad Stands Out
This apple arugula salad is a hit among delicious salad ideas. It draws inspiration from Minimalist Baker’s Apple Pecan Arugula Salad and Lemons & Zest’s fall apple salad. These sources help create a unique flavor mix that makes it stand out.
Inspired by top salad recipes like Minimalist Baker’s Apple Pecan Arugula Salad and Lemons & Zest’s fall apple salad
The salad’s inspiration comes from a mix of ingredients that are both simple and elegant. It takes the best from famous recipes, bringing out freshness and celebrating the season.
Notes on balance: peppery arugula, sweet apples & figs, creamy goat cheese, toasty maple pecans and tangy balsamic vim.
The salad combines peppery arugula with sweet apples and figs for a tasty mix. Creamy goat cheese adds a rich touch, and toasty maple pecans bring a nice crunch. The tangy balsamic vinaigrette brings it all together, making it a joy to eat.
Advantage of homemade: fresh ingredients, customizable sweetness, vegan/dairy-free flexible.
Making this salad at home means using only the freshest ingredients. You can tweak the sweetness to your taste and make it vegan or dairy-free. This makes it a meal that’s both delicious and tailored to your preferences, ideal for any time.
Recipe Overview & Stats
Creating a tasty apple arugula salad recipe is easier with the right info. This salad serves four, ideal for family meals or friend gatherings. It’s ready in about 22 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights.
Servings: 4
This recipe makes enough for four, so everyone can enjoy its great taste.
Prep time: 15 minutes
You can prep all ingredients in 15 minutes. It’s a quick addition to your meals.
Cook time: 7 minutes (to toast pecans)
Toasting pecans for 7 minutes adds crunch and flavor to your salad. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Total time: ~22 minutes
This recipe takes about 22 minutes to make. It’s a quick, quality meal option.
Apple Arugula Salad Recipe
Making a vibrant apple arugula salad is a fun way to enjoy seasonal flavors. This salad mixes fresh, crisp ingredients. They taste amazing and are good for you. Here’s what you need to know to make this salad, from the ingredients to how to do it step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until toasted. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
2. Whisk together the balsamic dressing ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.
3. In a large salad bowl, add the arugula. Arrange the sliced apples, figs, and other ingredients on top of the greens. Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
– Nutrition is calculated with half of the dressing used in the recipe. Adjust according to your preference.
– For crisp apples, add them to the salad right before serving. If making ahead, soak the apples in salt water to prevent browning.
– Make the salad within an hour of serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Make your apple arugula salad a hit with a few simple steps. Keeping your ingredients fresh and flavors bright is key. Discover ways to make this salad your own and impress everyone.
Avoid browning apples
To keep apple slices fresh, soak them in salted water. This trick keeps them looking good and crunchy. Your salad will look as great as it tastes.
Dressing control
When you add dressing, do it slowly. Toss gently to keep the greens crisp. This trick keeps your salad fresh and enjoyable.
Scaling
Need more servings? Double the recipe. Want less? Halve it. This flexibility is perfect for any occasion, ensuring you always have a tasty salad ready.
Flavor twists
Be creative with your salad. Try citrus zest for a zing. Swap figs for dried cranberries or add avocado for creaminess. These changes make your salad special and delicious.
Storage & Serving Advice
Timing is everything when you enjoy your apple arugula salad. It’s best eaten within an hour to keep it fresh and tasty. The crisp apples and peppery arugula lose their crunch over time.
Best eaten within an hour of tossing.
Serve your salad immediately after mixing everything. This way, the arugula stays lively and the apples crunchy. It looks great too.
If prepping ahead, store undressed salad ingredients separately; add dressing just before serving.
Prep your salad ahead for a big event? Keep the ingredients separate. Store them in airtight containers. Then, add the dressing just before serving. This keeps your salad fresh and nutritious.
Keeps for ~2–3 hours refrigerated; avoid soggy arugula or browned apples.
Storing the salad in the fridge can keep it good for 2–3 hours. But, watch out for soggy arugula or browned apples. They can ruin the salad’s freshness. Enjoy it as fresh as possible.
Conclusion
This apple arugula salad recipe is a perfect mix of textures and tastes. It makes any meal better. The peppery arugula, sweet apples, and creamy goat cheese create a dish that looks great and tastes amazing.
It’s a great addition to your collection of healthy salads. It’s perfect for when you have guests over or for a quiet dinner at home.
You can make this salad your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Try adding seasonal fruits or a splash of citrus for a new twist. Each change makes the salad even more delicious.
Adding this salad to your meals means you’re choosing healthier options. It also lets you enjoy making tasty dishes at home. Happy salad-making!
If you loved the vibrant flavors of this Apple Arugula Salad, you’ll enjoy trying other seasonal salads like our hearty Mediterranean Bean Salad. Or, for a fruitier twist, explore the honey lime peach salad — a perfect complement to any fall table. Want more inspiration? Browse all our fresh salad recipes to make every meal a celebration of flavor and seasonality.
Apple Arugula Salad
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until toasted. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Whisk together the balsamic dressing ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula. Arrange the sliced apples, figs, and other ingredients on top of the greens. Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition is calculated with half of the dressing used in the recipe. Adjust according to your preference.
- For crisp apples, add them to the salad right before serving. If making ahead, soak the apples in salt water to prevent browning.
- Make the salad within an hour of serving for the best texture and flavor.
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