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Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans — Fresh, Bright & Perfectly Balanced

This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans is crisp, refreshing, and full of vibrant fall flavor. Peppery arugula pairs beautifully with thinly sliced apples, sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and warm maple-caramelized pecans. The homemade maple balsamic dressing ties everything together with brightness, sweetness, and depth. This salad works wonderfully as a holiday side, a beautiful dinner party starter, or a nourishing everyday lunch. Every bite has contrast: crunchy, creamy, sweet, tangy, and fresh. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 5 oz arugula
  • 3 apples very thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended)
  • ½ cup dried figs sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion very thinly sliced
  • ½ cup goat cheese crumbles
Maple Pecans
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 pinch sea salt
Maple Balsamic Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ⅔ tablespoon maple syrup about 2 teaspoons
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl & whisk for dressing
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Maple Pecans
  1. Place pecans in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Drizzle in maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
  4. Cook 1 additional minute, coating pecans fully.
  5. Spread on parchment to cool (they will harden slightly).
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. balsamic vinegar
  3. Dijon mustard
  4. lemon juice
  5. maple syrup
  6. minced garlic
  7. pepper and sea salt
  8. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a bowl or on a platter, add:
  2. arugula
  3. apple slices
  4. sliced figs
  5. red onion
  6. Drizzle some dressing and gently toss.
Step 4: Top & Finish
  1. Add goat cheese crumbles and maple pecans on top.
  2. Lightly drizzle a bit more dressing before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store salad undressed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Store dressing separately in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Pecans can be stored at room temperature, covered, for 5 days.
Do not heat — serve chilled or room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Swap Goat Cheese:
Use feta or shaved Parmesan.
Add Protein:
Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas work beautifully.
More Sweetness:
Add sliced pears or dried cranberries.
More Crunch:
Add pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds.
Fall Spice Twist:
Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the pecans.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use spring mix instead of arugula?
Yes — any tender greens work.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances flavor — highly recommended.
Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Yes — they are delicious when in season.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Assemble without dressing and add it just before serving.
Which apples work best?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala.
Can I use maple syrup only in the dressing?
Yes — adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I omit the goat cheese?
Yes — salad will still be fresh and flavorful.
Can I make the dressing creamier?
Add 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayo.
Can this be served as a full meal?
Add protein to make it filling.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes — naturally gluten-free.
🏁 Conclusion
This Apple Arugula Salad With Maple Pecans offers the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp textures. It's fresh enough for everyday meals and special enough for celebrations. The homemade maple pecans and balsamic dressing elevate every bite into something truly memorable.
Beautiful. Balanced. Full of life and flavor.