Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, fresh salad that bursts with contrasting textures and flavors, the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines peppery arugula, crisp apple slices, and sweet figs, all elevated by tangy goat cheese and the irresistible crunch of maple-glazed pecans. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty that feels both sophisticated and comfortingly familiar. Every bite is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors, dressed in a luscious balsamic-maple vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe truly sing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the spicy bite of arugula to the juicy sweetness of fresh apples, and the maple syrup-roasted pecans that add an unforgettable crunch. The combination is simple yet dynamic, focusing on fresh, seasonal goodness that makes this salad a standout.

• 3 apples (sliced very thin): Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best crunch and natural sweetness.
• 5 oz arugula: Its peppery flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet and tangy elements in the salad.
• 1/4 cup red onion (sliced thin): Adds a mild sharpness that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup figs (chopped): Fresh figs bring a subtle sweetness and chewy texture that complements the crunchy apples.
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese melts into the salad to enhance its richness.
• 1 cup pecan halves: When toasted with maple syrup, they deliver an irresistible caramelized crunch.
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup: Used to glaze the pecans, this adds a warm sweetness to balance the peppery greens.
• Pinch of sea salt: A small amount enhances the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: The foundation of the balsamic dressing, adding smoothness and depth.
• 2 tsp maple syrup: Sweetens the vinaigrette just enough without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a tangy kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Freshly ground for subtle heat that complements the peppery arugula.
• 1 garlic clove (minced): Adds a gentle savory depth to the dressing.
• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar: Provides the salad with a lovely tartness and a touch of sweetness.
• 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (Or to taste): Fine-tunes the dressing’s seasoning to your preference.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Maple Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F because the first step is all about toasting those pecans to perfection. Toss the pecan halves with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt to coat them evenly. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them into the oven and let them toast for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant, slightly darkened, and perfectly caramelized. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. This step creates the signature crunchy and sweet component that makes this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Balsamic Dressing

While the pecans are cooling, it’s time to bring together your dressing. Whisk the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, freshly ground pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl until well combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—your goal is a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that will tie the salad ingredients together in perfect harmony. This vibrantly flavored dressing is the glue that holds the salad’s flavors in check.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large salad bowl and add the fresh arugula as your leafy base. Artfully arrange the thinly sliced apple rounds, chopped figs, and slivers of red onion over the greens. Sprinkle the creamy goat cheese crumbles evenly on top, then scatter the now-cooled maple pecans over everything. Just before serving, drizzle half of your luscious balsamic-maple dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the leaves and fruit lightly without bruising. The dressing enhances every ingredient’s natural character, bringing together a salad that is as gorgeous as it is delicious.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a special touch, feel free to garnish the salad with a few fresh herb sprigs like mint or thyme. A sprinkle of additional goat cheese or freshly cracked black pepper can also add visual appeal and layer more complexity onto the dish.

Side Dishes

This salad stands beautifully on its own for a light lunch or a starter. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or a hearty soup to make a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe in clear glass bowls or wide shallow plates to showcase the colorful layers. You can also build individual salad cups layered with arugula, apple slices, figs, pecans, and goat cheese for elegant portioning at a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate for best results; store the dressed salad in an airtight container and consume within 1 to 2 days for freshness and crispness. Keep the maple pecans in a separate container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing since the fresh greens and apples will lose their texture when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to experience all the wonderful contrasts in texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you want to enjoy any warmed components, such as nuts, toast fresh pecans and assemble a new salad to maintain the vibrancy of the ingredients.

FAQs

Can I substitute the arugula for another green?

Absolutely! While arugula’s peppery bite is distinctive, baby spinach or mixed spring greens make excellent substitutes if you prefer a milder or different flavor profile.

What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives. Just toss them with maple syrup and toast them similarly to maintain that sweet crunch element in the salad.

How do I store the dressing if I want to make it ahead?

You can store the balsamic-maple dressing in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad.

Can I use dried figs if fresh figs aren’t available?

Yes, dried figs are a good substitute. Chop them finely since they are sweeter and denser than fresh figs to keep the balance of flavors right.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans Recipe is the kind of dish that brings excitement and warmth to your table with every bite. It is a beautifully balanced salad that is as nourishing as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a favorite in your recipe rotation to welcome the flavors of the season with open arms!

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