Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula, crisp sliced apples, tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a luscious honey balsamic dressing. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this vegetarian salad makes a quick and healthy meal or side dish, especially great for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 cups fresh arugula
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Honey Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh arugula, thinly sliced apples, crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared honey balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate arugula.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add grilled chicken or salmon to increase protein content and make it a more substantial meal.
- To prevent apples from browning, toss them briefly in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
