Print

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans
Print Recipe

Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is a fresh, vibrant salad that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy apples, peppery arugula, and rich maple-glazed pecans. Easy to prepare and bursting with refreshing flavors and textures, it makes a perfect side dish, light meal, or appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh arugula, rinsed and dried
  • 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup maple pecans (see preparation below)

Maple Pecans

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Maple Pecans: Heat pecans in a pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Stir continuously until pecans are evenly coated and toasted with a sticky, caramelized glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely, allowing them to crisp up.
  2. Wash and Dry Arugula: Rinse arugula leaves thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat gently with a towel to remove all excess moisture to prevent wilting and diluting the dressing.
  3. Slice the Apples and Onions: Thinly slice the crisp apples and red onion into uniform pieces to achieve consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is emulsified and bright-tasting.
  5. Toss and Assemble: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, apple slices, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Just before serving, sprinkle the maple pecans on top to maintain their crunchy texture.

Notes

  • Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain salad crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Keep stirring pecans continuously while glazing to avoid burning and ensure even caramelization.
  • Dry arugula thoroughly using a salad spinner for best results and to keep the salad fresh.
  • Toss salad with dressing immediately before serving to keep greens crisp.
  • Maple pecans can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple arugula salad, maple pecans salad, fresh arugula salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, side dish, appetizer

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/apple-arugula-salad-with-maple-pecans/