Zesty Apple-Fig Arugula Salad Recipe: A Fresh Garden Symphony

Salads burst with unexpected magic when you combine the crisp sweetness of apple and fig in an arugula delight that dances across your palate.

Spicy arugula provides the perfect green backdrop for these vibrant ingredients.

Delicate figs bring a luxurious richness that complements the bright apple slices.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that challenge traditional salad expectations.

The combination creates a sophisticated dish that feels both elegant and approachable.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet stunning recipe that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Get ready to elevate your salad game with this remarkable culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in the Apple and Fig Arugula Mix

• Pecans: Nutty stars that bring a delightful crunch and sweet warmth, choose fresh, plump pecans with a rich golden color and no signs of staleness.
• Maple Syrup: Liquid gold that caramelizes and glazes the pecans, select pure, dark maple syrup for deeper flavor complexity.
• Sea Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness, opt for fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

• Arugula: Peppery green foundation with a zesty bite, pick crisp, vibrant leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
• Apples: Crisp, sweet-tart fruit that adds refreshing crunch, select firm, bright-skinned varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
• Figs: Soft, succulent fruit bringing natural sweetness, choose ripe figs with deep color and gentle give when pressed.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy element that adds luxurious texture, look for fresh, locally made cheese with smooth consistency.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that binds flavors, choose extra virgin for most authentic taste.
• Maple Syrup: Secondary sweetener adding depth, select pure grade for best results.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that lifts entire dish, use freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Spicy emulsifier that adds complexity, pick smooth, high-quality French-style mustard.
• Garlic: Aromatic punch that heightens dressing intensity, select fresh, firm cloves.

Tools for Apple Fig Arugula Salad Success

• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for toasting pecans in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent pecans from sticking while baking.
• Small Bowl: For mixing dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Tool for blending and aerating dressing components smoothly.
• Large Salad Bowl: Spacious container for combining and tossing salad ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing apples and chopping figs.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure maple syrup, olive oil, and other liquid ingredients.

How to Create Apple Fig Salad With Ease

• Maple Pecan Magic

Toast pecans into a golden, crunchy delight by warming them in the oven with sweet maple syrup and a touch of sea salt. The transformation creates a nutty, caramelized treat that will elevate your salad.

• Flavor Symphony Dressing

Craft a harmonious blend of zesty ingredients that dance together – olive oil, maple syrup, tangy lemon, bold Dijon, garlic’s punch, and balsamic’s depth. Whisk these components until they create a smooth, vibrant liquid that promises to awaken your taste buds.

• Salad Canvas

Layer crisp arugula as your green foundation, then artfully scatter thinly sliced apples, tender chopped figs, and crumbly goat cheese across the surface. Drizzle your carefully prepared dressing, gently tossing to ensure every leaf gets kissed with flavor. The result is a refreshing, elegant dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients and delicate balance.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Apple Fig Arugula

• Swap arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.
• Replace goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or plant-based cheese crumbles to suit dietary preferences or taste.
• Prepare maple pecans and dressing up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to save time during meal preparation.
• Add grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or seared salmon to transform this salad from a side dish into a complete, satisfying meal.

Serve That Fig Salad with Style

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, toasted slice of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious maple-balsamic dressing.
• Elevate with Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy tofu to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal that packs more nutrition.
• Wine Companion Selection: Match this salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy goat cheese and sweet maple notes.
• Create a Brunch Spread: Present this vibrant salad as part of a weekend brunch alongside frittatas, quiches, or light breakfast pastries for a refreshing and elegant touch.

Best Ways to Store Apple Fig Salads

• Maximize Freshness: Store salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness, keeping arugula, chopped apples, and figs refrigerated.
• Extend Dressing Life: Seal maple-balsamic vinaigrette in a glass jar, refrigerate up to 5 days, and shake well before each use to reinvigorate flavors.
• Quick Prep Hack: Slice apples just before serving or brush with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Smart Leftover Strategy: Keep maple pecans in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days, ensuring they retain their delightful crunch and sweet-salty profile.

Vibrant Apple And Fig Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired arugula salad with apple and fig delight blends crisp greens and sweet fruit for a refreshing experience. Sweet and peppery notes create perfect balance, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 oz (141 g) arugula
• 3 apples, sliced very thin
• ½ cup figs, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
• 1 cup pecan halves
• ½ cup goat cheese crumbles
• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps maple syrup
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (additional for dressing)
• 1 ½ tsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼–½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1 pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Pecan Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Toss pecan halves with maple syrup and sea salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Roasting Pecans: Spread pecans evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 5-7 minutes until golden-brown and fragrant, developing a rich, crispy texture.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl until fully incorporated and balanced.
4. Salad Assembly: Layer arugula in a large salad bowl, then strategically arrange thinly sliced apples and chopped figs across the greens. Crumble goat cheese over the fruit layer for a creamy contrast.
5. Final Touches: Drizzle prepared dressing just before serving, gently tossing to coat all ingredients evenly. Top with roasted maple pecans for added crunch and visual appeal, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans precisely between 5-7 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, watching carefully to maintain their delicate flavor and crisp texture.
• Dressing Balance: Taste and adjust dressing ingredients incrementally, allowing each component to harmonize for a complex yet balanced flavor profile that complements the salad’s fresh ingredients.
• Fruit Freshness: Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture, ensuring the salad looks vibrant and appetizing.
• Serving Strategy: Dress the salad immediately before consumption to prevent arugula from wilting and preserve the crisp texture of the maple pecans and fresh ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 195 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg