Looking for a salad that’s as lively and fresh as a crisp autumn afternoon? This Apple Arugula Salad has it all: peppery greens, juicy apples, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing that ties everything together in just ten minutes flat! Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch, a colorful side, or a stunning starter, the Apple Arugula Salad will brighten your table and please every palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Arugula Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients, this recipe proves that less really can be more. Each element in the Apple Arugula Salad brings something special, whether it’s a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or the perfect touch of crunch.

Arugula: Fresh, peppery arugula gives this salad its signature bite and vibrant green color.
Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Thinly sliced apple adds juicy sweetness and a satisfying crunch; choose a firm, crisp variety for best results.
Goat cheese or feta: Crumbled goat cheese brings creamy tang, while feta offers a saltier kick; pick your favorite or mix it up!
Toasted walnuts or pecans: A quick toast brings out the rich, nutty flavor and adds irresistible crunch.
Dried cranberries: These little gems provide a tart, chewy contrast and a lovely pop of color.
Extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, it adds richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers bright acidity that lifts the whole salad without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon brings subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
Honey: Balances the vinegar and mustard, rounding out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into focus.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and enhances the peppery notes of the arugula.

How to Make Apple Arugula Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake, if you’re using a jar with a lid) until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This quick homemade vinaigrette brings all the ingredients together and makes the flavors sing.

Step 2: Prep the Produce

Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly so it’s crisp and ready to go. Next, thinly slice your apple—no need to peel it, just remove the core and slice as thin as you like. If you’re worried about browning, toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula, sliced apple, crumbled goat cheese (or feta), toasted walnuts (or pecans), and dried cranberries. If you like, you can toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to really amp up their flavor.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad ingredients. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together so the dressing lightly coats each leaf and ingredient. Try not to overmix, as you want to keep those pretty apple slices and cheese crumbles intact.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Apple Arugula Salad right away for the best texture and flavor. The crispness of the apples and arugula really shines when it’s freshly tossed, making every bite vibrant and refreshing.

How to Serve Apple Arugula Salad

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of extra nuts, a few more crumbles of cheese, or even a bit of fresh cracked black pepper can elevate your Apple Arugula Salad from delicious to downright irresistible. For a festive touch, a handful of pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of balsamic glaze will impress any guest.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple pasta dish. The fresh, tangy flavors also complement heartier entrees like pork tenderloin or a savory quiche, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Apple Arugula Salad on a large platter for a family-style meal, or plate it individually for an elegant dinner party starter. For picnics or potlucks, layer the ingredients in a mason jar (dressing on the bottom, arugula on top) for a fun, portable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Apple Arugula Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. For best results, store the dressing separately so the greens and apples stay crisp. Enjoy leftovers within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The delicate arugula and fresh apple slices lose their texture after thawing, and the cheese may become watery. It’s best to prepare only as much as you plan to eat and savor it fresh.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served cold and relies on crisp, fresh ingredients, reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been chilled in the fridge, simply give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing and revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are favorites for their sweetness and crunch, feel free to use Granny Smith for a tart twist or Gala for a milder flavor. Just make sure the apple is crisp for the best texture in your Apple Arugula Salad.

Is there a vegan option?

Yes! Swap the goat cheese or feta for a plant-based cheese or simply omit it. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of Apple Arugula Salad.

What’s the best way to toast nuts?

Place walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before adding to your Apple Arugula Salad for maximum crunch and flavor.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The dressing can be whisked together and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling it over your Apple Arugula Salad.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

To keep your apple slices looking fresh, toss them in a bit of lemon juice before adding to the salad. This prevents oxidation and keeps your Apple Arugula Salad looking as beautiful as it tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something light, flavorful, and a little bit special, this Apple Arugula Salad is for you. With its lively flavors and simple prep, it’s bound to become a new favorite—so why not give it a try and share it with those you love?

Apple Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Apple Arugula Salad combining peppery fresh arugula with crisp apple slices, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a beautiful side salad, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh arugula
1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified and smooth, creating a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet vinaigrette.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula, then gently fold in the thinly sliced apple, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, and dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the salad.
Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate arugula leaves or breaking the apple slices.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad right away. The crispness of the apples and arugula combined with the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts will be at their peak.

Notes

To prevent the apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
You can swap the nuts for your preferred choice, such as almonds or pecans, and the cheese for feta or a vegan alternative to suit your taste.
This salad pairs beautifully as a side dish with roasted chicken or alongside a light pasta for a well-rounded meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American