Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a delightful fall dish that combines crisp apples, crunchy maple pecans, and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday feasts, this salad stands out for its vibrant flavors and textures. The tangy balsamic dressing ties everything together, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be served as a side or a light main dish.

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Jump to:

• 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
• For Garnish
• 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 Starter
• As a Side Dish
• As a Main Course
• For Meal Prep
• At Potlucks or Gatherings
• How to Perfect Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
• Best Side Dishes for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
• Reheating Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is included in Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?
• Can I customize my Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?
• How do I keep my salad fresh?
• What types of apples work best for this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This salad requires minimal cooking and can be assembled in just 20 minutes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet apples, salty goat cheese, and maple pecans creates a delicious balance.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or pair it with protein for a light main course.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients and fiber, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Perfect for Fall: Seasonal ingredients like apples and figs make this the ideal autumn dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Whisk or jar for dressing
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the salad ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting the maple pecans evenly in the oven.
• Whisk or jar: Helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly for an even flavor distribution.

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Pecans

Preheat your 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 cool completely.

Step 2: 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 your dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: 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 of the greens.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

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

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as a starter, a side, or a main dish, this salad’s refreshing flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.

As a Starter

• Serve small portions of the salad as an appetizer before the main course. This light start will stimulate appetites without overwhelming guests.

As a Side Dish

• Pair this salad with roasted meats or grilled fish. Its tangy dressing complements rich flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall meal experience.

As a Main Course

• Add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a satisfying meal. The combination of ingredients provides a hearty yet healthy option for lunch or dinner.

For Meal Prep

• Prepare the salad components in advance and assemble just before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh meals throughout the week without losing flavor.

At Potlucks or Gatherings

• Bring this vibrant salad to share at gatherings. Its eye-catching colors and delicious taste will make it a crowd favorite among guests.

How to Perfect Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

To elevate your Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Use crisp, seasonal apples and fresh arugula for the best taste and texture.
• Opt for high-quality cheese: Using creamy goat cheese enhances the richness of the salad and adds depth.
• Toast pecans carefully: Keep an eye on the pecans while baking; they can burn quickly but should be golden brown for optimal flavor.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preference for sweetness or acidity.
• Add protein for heartiness: Consider incorporating grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu if you want a more filling salad.
• Serve immediately: To avoid wilting arugula and browning apples, serve right after assembling.

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Best Side Dishes for Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some ideas for fantastic pairings.

1. Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinated in herbs, grilled chicken adds protein while maintaining a light profile.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf can enhance the texture contrast in your meal while providing additional nutrients.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts bring earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of the salad perfectly.
4. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty stuffed squash offers warmth and seasonal flavors that align beautifully with fall salads.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries deliver a delightful sweetness that matches well with the maple pecans.
6. Grilled Salmon: The rich taste of salmon complements the tangy dressing and enhances overall nutrition.
7. Herbed Couscous: Lightly seasoned couscous provides an additional grain option that is easy to prepare and serve alongside.
8. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can create a fun grazing option that pairs wonderfully with apples and nuts, adding variety to your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Maple Pecans: The maple pecans add a crucial sweet crunch to the salad. Don’t skip this step; they elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Using Overripe Apples: Using apples that are too ripe can make the salad mushy. Choose firm, crisp apples for the best texture and taste.
• Preparing Ahead of Time: While some components can be made in advance, assembling the salad too early can lead to sogginess. Aim to combine everything just before serving for optimal freshness.
• Not Adjusting Dressing Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust your dressing can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and tweak the seasoning based on your preference before adding it to the salad.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Low-quality ingredients can diminish your salad’s overall flavor. Invest in fresh, high-quality products, especially for the arugula and cheese.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• The salad will remain fresh for about 1-2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it contains fresh ingredients that do not thaw well.
• If you must freeze components, consider freezing only the maple pecans separately.

Reheating Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm pecans for about 5 minutes if needed.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat for short bursts, checking frequently. However, avoid reheating greens.
• Stovetop: Warm up in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

This salad features thinly sliced apples, arugula, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, figs, and crunchy maple pecans tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing.

Can I customize my Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness or substitute different nuts based on your preference.

How do I keep my salad fresh?

To maintain freshness, assemble your salad shortly before serving. Store ingredients separately if preparing ahead of time.

What types of apples work best for this salad?

Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal due to their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor balance that complements arugula.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course paired with protein, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings!