Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
This Apple Arugula Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for fall, combining crisp apples, peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, sweet figs, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans. Tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. It works beautifully as a side salad for autumn meals or can be served as a light, satisfying main dish with added protein like grilled chicken or salmon.
Calories: 379kcal
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
Instructions
Prepare the Maple Pecans
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until toasted and slightly darkened.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula.
- Arrange the sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled maple pecans on top.
Dress and Serve
- Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Serve with the remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer extra. Enjoy!
Notes
Dressing Tip: Nutrition is calculated using half of the dressing, but the recipe makes enough for those who like a more generously dressed salad.
Prevent Browning: To keep the apple slices from browning, add them just before serving. If preparing in advance, soak the apple slices in a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Make Ahead: For best freshness, assemble the salad within an hour of serving. If prepping in advance, store the salad ingredients separately and combine just before serving.