Description
A vibrant and refreshing Apple Arugula Salad featuring the peppery bite of arugula, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy feta, all tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a potluck contribution.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 ounces arugula, fresh
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash the arugula and pat it dry. Thinly slice the apples, removing the core. Chop the walnuts if needed.
- Combine Salad Base: In a large bowl, gently combine the arugula, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality olive oil and fresh apples.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before adding for a richer flavor.
- Substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for feta for a different taste.
- Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
- Add sliced pears or grapes for extra sweetness.
- Use spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula.
- Omit feta or use vegan feta for a vegan option.
- Prevent apples from browning by tossing them with a little lemon juice.
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg