Description
A fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet salad made with peppery arugula, crisp apples, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, and a light vinaigrette. Perfect for fall or anytime you want a refreshing and healthy side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
4 cups fresh arugula
-
1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
-
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
-
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
-
1/2 cup maple-glazed pecans (see below)
-
Optional: dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
For Maple Pecans:
-
1/2 cup pecan halves
-
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
-
Pinch of sea salt
For the Vinaigrette:
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Make Maple Pecans
In a skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 2–3 minutes. Add maple syrup and a pinch of salt, stir to coat. Cook 2 more minutes until sticky and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, toss arugula with apple slices, red onion, goat cheese, and cooled maple pecans. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
-
Serve
Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
-
You can use mixed greens instead of arugula if preferred.
-
Add grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
-
Store dressing separately if making ahead.
-
Candied walnuts or almonds work well too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg