Apple Arugula Salad w/ Maple Pecans

Elevate your autumn dining experience with this refreshing Apple Arugula Salad featuring sweet maple pecans. Crisp arugula paired with juicy apple slices and crunchy, caramelized pecans creates a delightful balance of flavors, perfect for a fall gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for an added zing. This salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a vibrant and seasonal dish.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-21T05:53:34.112Z

The Perfect Autumn Salad

When the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with an autumn-inspired salad. This Apple Arugula Salad w/ Maple Pecans celebrates the flavors of fall, offering a refreshing yet hearty option that satisfies the palate. The combination of sweet apples and savory feta creates a delightful contrast, while the toasted maple pecans add a touch of sweetness and crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Arugula, with its slightly peppery flavor, complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. By balancing these distinct tastes, this salad not only provides essential nutrients but also bursts with flavor, making it a standout choice for any gathering. Serve it as a side dish or as a light main course, and watch your guests fall in love with this seasonal delight.

Dressing Up Your Salad

The beauty of this salad lies not only in its vibrant ingredients but also in the simplicity of its dressing. A homemade dressing created with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish. This easy-to-make dressing perfectly balances the rich flavors of the feta and the sweetness of the apples and pecans, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.

Feel free to adjust the dressing to suit your taste. You can add more mustard for a sharper flavor or include a splash of maple syrup for additional sweetness. Customizing the dressing is a fun way to make this salad your own, allowing you to create a unique flavor profile that reflects your culinary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Arugula Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Try pairing it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or serve it alongside your favorite fall dishes like roasted squash or pumpkin soup. The contrasting flavors and textures provide a delightful balance that enhances any menu, making it an excellent choice for seasonal entertaining.

For a more substantial salad, consider adding quinoa or farro, which will increase the dish's fiber and protein content. This transformation not only makes the salad heartier but also adds a delicious nuttiness that pairs harmoniously with the other ingredients, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups arugula
2 medium apples, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup maple pecans

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match your favorite ingredients to make this salad unique!

Instructions

Prepare the Pecans

In a skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat, adding a drizzle of maple syrup until they are caramelized and fragrant.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine arugula, apple slices, and crumbled feta cheese.

Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Combine Everything

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and top with the maple pecans.

Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant salad!

Health Benefits of Arugula

Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that comes packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium and potassium. Its slightly peppery flavor adds a unique taste to salads, and its low calorie count makes it an excellent choice for those who are health-conscious. Including arugula in your diet can support digestive health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing your overall well-being.

Additionally, arugula is a great source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress. By incorporating this vibrant green into your meals, you can give your immune system a boost, making it a smart addition to your autumn menu. Incorporate arugula into your meals throughout the season to reap its numerous health benefits.

Crafting the Perfect Maple Pecans

Maple pecans are a delightful addition to this salad, providing both flavor and texture. Toasting the pecans in a skillet with maple syrup enhances their natural sweetness and adds a warm caramelized flavor that is simply irresistible. The cooking process also intensifies their crunch, making each bite more satisfying. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they toast, as pecans can burn quickly if left unattended.

You can easily adjust the sweetness of your maple pecans by using more or less syrup. For a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mix while toasting. This simple addition creates complexity in flavor and makes the pecans a standout component of your salad.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover salad, storing it properly is key to preserving its freshness. It's best to keep the salad and dressing separate until you're ready to serve, as mixed salads can become soggy over time. Place the salad ingredients in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, dress it fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

For the maple pecans, store them in a sealed container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life. These sweet and crunchy gems can be used to top other salads, yogurt, or even desserts, ensuring that none of your delicious ingredients go to waste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

It's best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the arugula.

→ What dressing works best?

A simple vinaigrette or balsamic dressing pairs wonderfully with this salad.