Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe
A refreshing Apple Arugula Salad featuring thinly sliced apples, peppery arugula, sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy maple-glazed pecans, all tossed in a vibrant balsamic maple dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant side dish.
- 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
- 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
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp 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. Toss the pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the pecans are toasted and slightly darkened. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the arugula into a large salad bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced apples, chopped figs, thin red onion slices, and goat cheese crumbles atop the greens.
- Toss and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with the cooled maple pecans. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information is based on using half of the dressing; the recipe makes enough for generous dressing lovers.
- Add apples just before serving to avoid browning. If prepping in advance, soak apple slices in salt water to maintain color.
- For optimal texture and freshness of apples, pecans, and other salad ingredients, prepare the salad within an hour of serving.
Keywords: apple arugula salad, maple pecans, fig salad, goat cheese salad, fall salad, healthy salad, balsamic dressing
