This perfect fall arugula salad with apple & pecans is a celebration of seasonal flavors. Crisp, peppery arugula is tossed with sweet apple slices, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with heartier mains like Herb Roasted Chicken In Creamy White Wine Sauce Recipe or stands deliciously on its own.

Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans

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This simple arugula salad combines fresh greens with diced apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, tossed in a basic balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect everyday salad or holiday side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, chicken, pasta, or pizza.

Author: Dorothy Miller
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Method: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces arugula
1 apple, cored and diced (use large apples, such as Fuji or Gala)

½ cup pecans, lightly toasted
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

To a large bowl, add arugula, cored and diced apple, dried cranberries, and half of the toasted pecans (¼ cup). Chop up the remaining half (¼ cup) of toasted pecans into small pieces and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar with olive oil until emulsified.

Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and sprinkle with the chopped toasted pecans. Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the salad.

Notes

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant for extra flavor. You don’t have to use all the dressing; start with half and add more as needed. For best freshness, assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 280
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for pecans in this salad?

For a nut-free version or a different flavor, try toasted walnuts or almonds. Sunflower seeds or pepitas also add a nice crunch to this Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and basic Balsamic dressing. Choose an unsalted option to better control the salad’s overall seasoning.

How do I keep the apple slices from turning brown?

Toss the sliced apples with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting. This simple step prevents oxidation and keeps them looking fresh. It won’t affect the sweet and tangy flavor profile of your Arugula Salad.

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Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans Recipe