Description
This Apple Arugula Salad is a refreshing, sweet, and savory combination of crisp apples, peppery arugula, chewy dried figs, crunchy maple-roasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for fall gatherings, light lunches, or a gourmet side dish!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 oz baby arugula (about 5 cups)
- 3 apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried figs, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles
For the Maple Pecans:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼–½ teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Maple Pecans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss pecan halves with maple syrup and sea salt until well coated.
- Spread pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant (watch closely to prevent burning).
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Balsamic Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine:
- Baby arugula
- Sliced apples
- Chopped dried figs
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Add cooled maple pecans and goat cheese crumbles.
- Drizzle half of the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.
Notes
- Make It Vegan: Swap goat cheese for vegan feta or omit it altogether.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a hearty meal.
- Storage: Store dressing separately; salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Fall Recipes
- Method: Raw, Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
