Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is the ultimate celebration of fall flavors. It combines crisp apples, peppery arugula, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, creamy goat cheese, and sweet figs, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side or a satisfying main, this salad shines at casual dinners or festive holiday gatherings.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Appeal: Highlights the fresh produce of fall.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes!
• Versatile: Works as a side or light main course.
• Texture & Flavor: A delightful mix of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For the dressing and salad assembly.
• Whisk or Fork: To emulsify the dressing.
• Baking Sheet: For roasting pecans.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during roasting.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing apples, onions, and figs.
• Salad Bowl or Platter: For presentation.

Preparation Tips

• Apples: Add them just before serving to maintain their crispness and avoid browning. If prepping ahead, soak slices in a saltwater solution (1 tsp salt to 1 cup water), then rinse and dry.
• Maple Pecans: Let them cool completely after roasting to retain crunch.
• Dressing: Shake ingredients in a jar to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture.

---

Ingredients

Salad

• 3 apples, thinly sliced
• 5 oz arugula
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup figs, chopped
• ½ cup goat cheese crumbles

Maple Pecans

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of sea salt

Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼–½ tsp sea salt, to taste

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Maple Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, toss pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Spread pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast for 5–7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before using.

2. Make the Dressing

1. Combine olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt in a small bowl or jar.
2. Whisk vigorously or shake until well-emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. Place arugula in a large salad bowl.
2. Arrange apple slices, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled maple pecans on top.

4. Dress and Serve

1. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
2. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer extra.

---

Notes

• Dressing: Recipe includes enough for generous portions, but nutritional info assumes half is used.
• Make-Ahead Tip: To keep everything fresh, assemble the salad no more than an hour before serving. Store components separately if preparing ahead.
• Custom Variations: Swap figs for dried cranberries or pecans for walnuts if desired.

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans, a dish that will quickly become a favorite on your table!

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is best served fresh to fully enjoy its vibrant flavors and crisp textures. It’s versatile enough to work as:

• A Light Main Dish: Pair it with added protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying meal.
• A Side Dish: Perfect alongside hearty main courses for holiday dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

For optimal presentation:

• Assemble the salad just before serving.
• Serve with the dressing on the side to allow guests to customize their portions.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdressing the Salad

• Start with half the dressing and toss gently. Add more if needed. Excess dressing can overwhelm the flavors and make the greens soggy.

2. Burning the Maple Pecans

• Toast pecans with care, checking frequently. They can go from toasted to burnt quickly due to the maple syrup.

3. Slicing Apples Too Early

• Slice apples just before serving. If prepping in advance, use a saltwater solution to prevent browning.

4. Combining Too Early

• Assemble the salad shortly before serving to maintain the crunch of the pecans and the crispness of the greens.

---

8 Side Dish Recommendations

Pair this flavorful salad with these complementary sides for a complete and satisfying meal:

1. Crusty Baguette Slices with Herb Butter

• Adds a crunchy, buttery element to balance the salad’s textures.

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

• A rich, velvety soup that complements the lightness of the salad.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary

• Earthy and sweet flavors that harmonize beautifully with the salad’s tangy dressing.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy and hearty, offering a contrast to the crisp salad.

1. Wild Rice Pilaf

• Adds nutty, earthy flavors that pair well with the maple pecans and figs.

1. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

• Bright and zesty, a perfect light vegetable pairing.

1. Honey-Glazed Carrots

• Sweet and tender, echoing the maple notes in the pecans.

1. Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs

• A savory, protein-rich side to transform the salad into a full meal.

---

Make Your Meal Memorable

By pairing this Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans with any of these delicious sides, you’ll create a well-rounded and flavorful dining experience that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this salad is a star on its own or as part of a larger spread.

Recipe Tips

Ingredient Variations

• Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for their crisp texture and flavor.
• Figs Substitute: Swap for dried cranberries, dates, or fresh grapes for a fruity twist.
• Goat Cheese Alternatives: Crumbled feta or blue cheese can offer a sharper flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Customization Ideas

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to make it a hearty main dish.
• Mix in quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition.
• Toss in pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color.

---

Storage Instructions

For the Salad

• Store components separately to maintain freshness. Keep the arugula, apples, pecans, and dressing in individual containers.
• Combine just before serving to avoid sogginess.

For the Maple Pecans

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to preserve their crunch.

For the Dressing

• Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before using.

---

Reheating and Serving Tips

This salad is best served fresh, but here’s how to prepare it ahead or refresh leftovers:

• Make-Ahead: Slice apples and store them in a saltwater solution, then rinse and dry before assembly.
• Leftovers: Keep the dressing separate. If already mixed, enjoy leftovers within 1 day for the best texture.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature or chilled; no reheating is needed.

---

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store all components separately to keep them fresh. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best taste and texture.

2. What kind of apples should I use?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best. They maintain their texture and add the perfect amount of sweetness or tartness.

3. How do I prevent apples from browning?

Soak apple slices in a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon salt per 1 cup of water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. This prevents browning without altering the flavor.

4. Can I make the dressing vegan?

Yes! Ensure the Dijon mustard and maple syrup are vegan-certified.

5. What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, seared salmon, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent options to turn this salad into a complete meal.

6. Can I use store-bought pecans?

Yes, but homemade maple pecans are fresher and offer better flavor. If using store-bought, ensure they are glazed and not salted.

---

Conclusion

The Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a delightful dish that showcases the best of seasonal produce. From the crisp apples to the tangy balsamic dressing and crunchy maple pecans, every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re serving it as a side at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is versatile, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. Try it today, and let it become your go-to recipe for any occasion!