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Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans
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Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans

This Apple Arugula Salad is a perfect fall dish, combining crisp apples, crunchy maple pecans, creamy goat cheese, and sweet figs, all tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s an easy, flavorful salad that pairs well with any meal or can be enjoyed as a light, satisfying main dish with added protein.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 379kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad:

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

For the Maple Pecans:

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

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ¼-½ teaspoon sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Maple Pecans
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Toss the pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
  • Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until toasted and slightly darkened.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  • Make the Dressing
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Assemble the Salad
  • In a large salad bowl, add the arugula.
  • Arrange the sliced apples, chopped figs, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and cooled maple pecans on top.
  • Dress and Serve
  • Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
  • Serve with the remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer extra. Enjoy!
  • Notes
  • Dressing: Nutrition is based on using half the dressing; extra can be added as desired.
  • Apples: To prevent browning, add them just before serving. If prepping ahead, soak in a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water) for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.
  • Make Ahead: For best freshness, assemble within an hour of serving. If preparing in advance, store components separately and combine before serving.