Simple Apple Arugula Salad Recipe

Craving a vibrant and refreshing salad that’s both simple and satisfying? Look no further! This Simple Apple Arugula Salad Recipe combines the peppery bite of arugula with the crisp sweetness of apples, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a quick and healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Arugula Salad

• Ready in under 15 minutes.
• A delightful blend of sweet, savory, and peppery flavors.
• Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh ingredients.
• Visually appealing with its vibrant colors.
• Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
• More exciting than your average lettuce salad.
• A perfect way to use seasonal apples.
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

This salad is not just food; it’s an experience. The crisp apples, peppery arugula, sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and salty feta all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a simple pleasure that’s surprisingly sophisticated!

Ingredients Needed for Apple Arugula Salad

• Arugula: 5 ounces (142g). Look for fresh, vibrant green arugula.
• Apples: 2 medium (about 300g), thinly sliced. Use your favorite variety – Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work great.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (60g). Adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
• Slivered Almonds: 1/4 cup (30g). Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for an extra layer of flavor!
• Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g), crumbled. Adds a salty and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml). Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
• Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle tang.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season to your liking.

Essential Equipment List

• Large bowl: To toss the salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: To whisk the dressing.
• Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Knife: For slicing the apples.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertop while slicing.

Having the right tools makes salad preparation a breeze. A good knife is crucial for thin, even apple slices. And don’t underestimate the power of a good whisk for a perfectly emulsified dressing!

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 10 minutes

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish. Scale up the ingredients for a larger crowd!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients

First, gently rinse the arugula under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel or salad spinner. Thinly slice the apples – leaving the peel on adds color and fiber! Now, measure out the dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.

Combine and Serve

In the large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced apples, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors! It’s best to serve the salad right away to prevent the arugula from wilting.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overdress the salad: Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the salad.
• Toast the almonds for extra flavor: Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of maple syrup in the dressing.
• Serve immediately: The arugula will wilt if dressed too far in advance.

Achieving salad perfection is all about balance. Taste and adjust the dressing as needed. The goal is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory!

Variations & Substitutions

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu would be great additions.
• Swap the cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese would be delicious alternatives to feta.
• Try different nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds could be used instead of almonds.
• Add more fruit: Sliced pears or grapes would complement the apples nicely.
• Change the dressing: Use a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette instead of the apple cider vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Simple Apple Arugula Salad

This Simple Apple Arugula Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetarian lasagna. It also makes a great light lunch on its own or as a side to a warm bowl of soup. For a complete meal, add some crusty bread and a glass of chilled sparkling juice.

Health Benefits

• • Arugula: Rich in vitamins A and K, and antioxidants.
  • Apples: A good source of fiber and vitamin C.

• Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

This salad isn’t just delicious, it’s also good for you! It’s a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Storage & Reheating

The undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately and dress the salad just before serving. Pre-dressed salad will become soggy.

The dressed salad is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the arugula will wilt and the salad will lose some of its crispness.

Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the ingredients will become mushy and lose their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and the dressing separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and combine them just before serving.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple that you enjoy. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are all great choices.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, feel free to add other ingredients to this salad, such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or sliced pears.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrate: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more fresh and flavorful salad recipes? Check out these delectable options:

• Carrot Apple Salad – A sweet and crunchy twist on classic salads.
• Fall Harvest Pasta Salad – Embrace autumn flavors with this hearty and colorful pasta salad.
• Apple Salad – A creamy and comforting salad perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion

This Simple Apple Arugula Salad Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients. Its delightful combination of sweet, savory, and peppery flavors makes it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whip it up for a light lunch, a satisfying side, or a quick and nutritious snack. Enjoy!

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