Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe
This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a fresh and vibrant dish combining peppery arugula, thinly sliced apples, sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans. The salad is dressed with a homemade balsamic maple vinaigrette, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for a light lunch or an elegant starter, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Maple Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of sea salt
Balsamic Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Toast the Maple Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss the pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt until well coated. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the pecans are toasted and slightly darkened, being careful not to burn them. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and sea salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place the arugula as the base. Arrange the thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, sliced red onion, and goat cheese crumbles evenly over the greens. Add the cooled maple pecans on top.
- Toss and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, layered flavors.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- If fresh figs are unavailable, dried figs can be rehydrated briefly in warm water and chopped.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the apples and arugula.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To make the salad vegan, omit the goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: apple arugula salad, maple pecans, balsamic dressing, fall salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe
