Description

Apple Arugula Salad combines the peppery punch of fresh arugula with the sweet crunch of ripe apples, topped with a zesty natural dressing. This vibrant, nutritious salad is quick to prepare and perfect as a light meal or a bright starter, delivering layered flavors and textures that refresh and energize.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups fresh arugula
2 medium crisp apples, cored and sliced thinly with skin
1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/4 cup crumbled feta (plant-based) cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon honey (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
Salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Greens and Apples: Wash and dry 2 cups of fresh arugula thoroughly. Core the apples and slice them into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on to add extra texture and nutrients.
Toast the Nuts: Place 1/4 cup of nuts (walnuts or pecans) in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them lightly until they release a fragrant aroma and deepen in color, enhancing their crunch and flavor.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (natural), 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey (natural), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and cracked black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, apple slices, thin red onion rings, toasted nuts, and crumbled plant-based feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated.

Notes

Use fresh produce to maximize flavor and texture.
Adjust vinegar and honey quantities to your preferred balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Make sure the arugula is well dried to prevent sogginess.
Slice apples just before serving to maintain crispness.
Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning and bitterness.
Fresh mint or basil leaves can be added as garnish for aromatic enhancement.
Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated and consume within 24 hours.
The dressing can be prepared up to one week in advance and whisked before using.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple salad, arugula salad, healthy salad, plant-based feta salad, quick salad, natural dressing, nutritious salad