Description
This Apple Arugula Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any season. Combining peppery baby arugula with sweet, crunchy apples, dried figs, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pecans, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The salad is dressed with a rich and tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette, making it a perfect light lunch, side dish, or appetizer that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 5 oz baby arugula (about 5 cups)
- 3 apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried figs, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles
- 1 cup pecan halves
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼–½ teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing emulsifies and becomes well blended. Season with ¼–½ teaspoon sea salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toast Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even toasting. Once fragrant and slightly browned, remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add baby arugula, sliced apples, chopped dried figs, and thinly sliced red onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients uniformly.
- Add Goat Cheese and Pecans: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecan halves on top of the salad mixture for added creaminess and crunch.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared maple balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad fresh and crisp, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Choose crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and sweetness.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing for your preferred level of sweetness.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the arugula and apples.
