Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans

Want a salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and a little sweet too? This apple arugula salad is the one. And those maple pecans? Whoa. Game-changer.

It’s got crisp apples, peppery greens, and sweet, sticky nuts. Every bite is like fall in a bowl. It’s light but full of flavor.

Perfect for holidays or just lunch with a cozy twist. It looks fancy, but it’s easy-peasy. You’ll feel like a salad pro.

Let’s make it! Grab your apples, grab your pecans. This salad’s ready to shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Flavorful: Crisp apples, peppery arugula, and tangy balsamic dressing come together in a refreshing, light combo.
• Texture Heaven: Creamy goat cheese and crunchy maple-glazed pecans create the ultimate bite.
• Quick + Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes, no fancy tools or techniques needed.
• Customizable: Use pears instead of apples, swap the goat cheese, or toss in grains—this salad plays nice with variations.
• Great for All Occasions: From lunch bowls to holiday sides, it fits any table beautifully.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for maple pecans)
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side salad.

Difficulty: Very easy—no cooking skills required beyond light toasting.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Sheet pan (for pecans)
• Mixing bowls (small for dressing, large for tossing)
• Whisk or fork (for emulsifying the dressing)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this fresh salad to life. The exact amounts will be listed in the recipe card at the end.

Salad Base

• Apples – Sweet or tart (Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully), sliced thin
• Arugula – Baby arugula for a tender bite
• Red Onion – Thinly sliced for sharpness
• Figs – Fresh if in season, dried if not
• Goat Cheese Crumbles – Soft, tangy, and creamy

Maple Pecans

• Pecan Halves
• Maple Syrup
• Sea Salt

Dressing

• Olive Oil – Extra virgin
• Maple Syrup – For natural sweetness
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the mix
• Dijon Mustard – Adds subtle tang
• Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is best
• Garlic – One small clove, minced
• Balsamic Vinegar – For depth
• Sea Salt – Just enough to balance

How to Make the Maple Pecans

These maple-glazed pecans add crunch and a caramel-like depth. They’re addictively good—and yes, you’ll want to snack on a few before they hit the salad bowl.

Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss the Pecans: In a small bowl, combine the pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until evenly coated.
3. Spread & Bake: Spread pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until toasted and sticky.
4. Cool: Let them cool completely on the pan—they’ll crisp up as they sit.

Make the Maple Dijon Dressing

This dressing ties everything together—tangy, slightly sweet, and balanced with mellow balsamic and bold Dijon.

Whisk It Together:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) the following until smooth:

• Olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Taste and adjust—maybe a bit more maple for sweetness or lemon for brightness. It should feel light but flavorful.

Build the Salad (Step-by-Step)

1. Slice and Soak the Red Onion (Optional)

If you want a milder bite, soak the thin slices of red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

2. Slice the Apples

Cut your apples into thin slices or matchsticks. If you’re prepping ahead, toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.

3. Assemble the Greens

In a large salad bowl, add the arugula and frisée (if using). Gently toss with just a bit of dressing to lightly coat the leaves.

4. Add the Layers

Top the greens with sliced apples, red onions, chopped figs, and crumbled goat cheese.

5. Finish with Crunch

Sprinkle the cooled maple pecans over the top. Drizzle with more dressing just before serving.

Variations for Apple Arugula Salad

This salad is flexible. Try one of these swaps to make it your own:

• Use Pears Instead of Apples: Especially good in fall or winter.
• Add Grains: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro to bulk it up.
• Swap the Cheese: Try feta, shaved parmesan, or blue cheese crumbles.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, salmon, or even chickpeas make it a meal.
• Seasonal Fruit Twist: Replace figs with dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or fresh berries depending on what’s available.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Toast Pecans Ahead of Time: They can be made a day or two in advance—store in an airtight container once cooled.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To avoid soggy greens, add dressing right before you serve.
• Thin Slicing is Key: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get paper-thin apple and onion slices.
• Make It a Platter: Serve on a large board or platter for a beautiful presentation at gatherings.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad

This salad works as a:

• Holiday Side Dish: Bright and fresh, great for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Light Lunch: Serve with crusty bread or a bowl of soup.
• Dinner Party Starter: Elegant and easy to prep ahead.
• Weeknight Pairing: Goes beautifully with roast chicken or grilled pork.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1/6th of the Recipe)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~230 kcal
Carbohydrates	~18g
Protein	~4g
Fat	~17g
Saturated Fat	~3g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~11g
Sodium	~170mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Apple Arugula Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the components a few hours ahead—store everything separately and combine just before serving to keep it fresh.

What kind of apples should I use?
Crisp and slightly sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best. Granny Smith adds more tartness if you prefer.

Can I use store-bought candied pecans?
Yes, if you’re short on time. But the homemade maple version adds a more natural, less sugary touch.

Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
Feta, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan are great alternatives depending on your taste.

Conclusion

This Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans is a reminder that simple ingredients can deliver complex, balanced flavors when treated with care. It’s a salad that feels just right—fresh, seasonal, and quietly impressive. Serve it for guests or just treat yourself on a weekday. Either way, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to.