Apple Arugula Salad w/ Maple Pecans

Name: Apple Arugula Salad w/ Maple Pecans
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups arugula; 2 medium apples, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup maple pecans; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Elevate your fall dining experience with this vibrant Apple Arugula Salad topped with sweet and crunchy Maple Pecans. Featuring crisp apples, peppery arugula, and a luscious maple vinaigrette, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it's a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-29T06:00:32.893Z

This Apple Arugula Salad is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal ingredients. The combination of tart apples and peppery arugula makes for a refreshing dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more!

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This Apple Arugula Salad w/ Maple Pecans brilliantly combines sweet, savory, and peppery elements in a refreshing dish. The crisp texture of the apples contrasts perfectly with the tender arugula while the maple pecans add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. This balance makes each bite a harmonious experience, ensuring that your palate is pleasantly delighted.

The use of feta cheese crumbles introduces a creamy tang that elevates the overall flavor profile of the salad without overwhelming it. This creates a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by everyone—whether as a light lunch or a vibrant side for dinner.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to its wonderful flavors, this salad is packed with nutrients that contribute to your health. Arugula, being a dark leafy green, is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with several important minerals. Paired with apples, which are high in dietary fiber and vitamins, this salad provides a nourishing option perfect for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

The maple pecans not only contribute to the taste but also offer healthy fats and antioxidants. This combination of ingredients makes this salad a guilt-free choice that supports overall well-being during the bustling fall season.

Customizing Your Salad

One of the great things about the Apple Arugula Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes for additional earthiness, or swapping feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture. You could even toss in some grilled chicken or quinoa for a more filling meal option.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with your dressings as well! While the maple vinaigrette complements this dish beautifully, a balsamic reduction or a citrus vinaigrette could also work wonderfully and provide a different flavor twist.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

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

Maple Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match ingredients according to your taste preferences!

Instructions

Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until combined.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, apples, maple pecans, feta cheese, and red onion.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Divide the salad into serving bowls and enjoy immediately!

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared in advance without dressing.

Tips for Making the Best Salad

When preparing this salad, it’s important to choose the right apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provide a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor. For best results, ensure the apples are crisp and fresh, as this adds to the desired texture of the dish.

Additionally, consider toasting the maple pecans slightly before adding them to the salad. This process helps to intensify their flavor and brings out their natural oils, resulting in a more aromatic and satisfying crunch.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftovers, it's best to store the salad components separately. The arugula and salad ingredients can wilt quickly once dressed, so keeping them in separate containers can help maintain their freshness. The vinaigrette should also be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within a week.

For serving, consider presenting the salad on a large platter for a beautiful display, especially if it’s for a gathering. This approach not only makes it more appealing but also allows guests to serve themselves and customize their portions.