Description
This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Crisp apples, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and maple-glazed pecans come together with a rich balsamic dressing, making it a refreshing and elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad:
- 3 apples, thinly sliced
- 5 oz arugula
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
For the Maple Pecans:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Maple Pecans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until toasted and slightly darkened.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place arugula in a large salad bowl.
- Arrange sliced apples, red onion, figs, goat cheese, and maple pecans on top.
- Dress and Serve:
- Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Dressing Usage: Nutrition is based on using half of the dressing; use more if desired.
- Prevent Apples from Browning: If preparing ahead, soak sliced apples in salted water for a few minutes, then rinse before adding to the salad.
- Best Served Fresh: Assemble the salad within an hour of serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg