Crisp Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans & Balsamic Dressing

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Created on August 10th, 2025 at 07:28 pm

Apple Arugula Salad

This Apple Arugula Salad bursts with fall flavor — sweet, crisp apples, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy maple pecans, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners 🍂🥗.

⏱ Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients:

Salad:

3 apples, thinly sliced (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp recommended)
5 oz baby arugula
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles

Maple Pecans:

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

Dressing:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Roast the Pecans 🥜
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pecans with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
Make the Dressing 🥣
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad 🍏
In a large salad bowl, add arugula. Arrange apple slices, figs, goat cheese, onion, and cooled maple pecans on top.
Dress and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Goat Cheese Apple Arugula Salad with Balsamic Dressing

💡 Pro Tips:

Prevent Browning: Soak apple slices in lightly salted water (1 tsp salt per cup water) for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead: Roast the pecans and prepare the dressing a day ahead to speed up assembly.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated up to 2 days in an airtight container.

📊 Nutrition Info (per serving):

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	379	6g	30g	28g	5g	21g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.