Description
Mediterranean-inspired Apple and Fig Arugula Delight combines sweet figs with crisp apples and peppery arugula for a refreshing salad experience. Sophisticated ingredients dance together, creating a light yet luxurious dish perfect for discerning palates who crave balanced flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 3 apples, sliced very thin
- 5 ounces (141 grams) arugula
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ½ cup figs, chopped
Dairy and Nuts:
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼–½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (additional for dressing)
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Craft the maple-glazed pecans by heating the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat pecan halves with maple syrup and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt in a mixing vessel.
- Distribute pecans uniformly across a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring even toasting. Roast for 5-7 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown hue and aromatic essence.
- Remove pecans from the oven and allow them to cool and crisp, creating a crunchy textural element for the salad.
- Create the vibrant dressing by combining olive oil, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt in a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly, tasting and adjusting seasonings to achieve a harmonious flavor profile that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Select a large salad bowl and generously layer fresh, peppery arugula as the foundational green.
- Artfully arrange thinly sliced crisp apples and chopped succulent figs across the arugula bed.
- Sprinkle crumbled creamy goat cheese over the fruit layers, adding a rich and tangy dimension.
- Immediately before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using approximately half the quantity or adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating and distribution of dressing, maple pecans, and ingredients.
- Garnish with additional toasted maple pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Maple pecans add a sweet, crunchy texture that elevates the entire salad experience with minimal effort.
- Homemade dressing brings fresh, tangy flavors that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of apples and figs.
- Goat cheese provides a creamy, rich contrast to the crisp arugula and juicy fruit slices.
- Toasting pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and creates a delightful aromatic element to the dish.
- Use fresh, ripe figs and crisp apples for the most vibrant and refreshing salad presentation.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the arugula’s crispness and prevent wilting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg