Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with this mouthwatering Arugula Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine a perfect harmony of peppery arugula, crisp apple slices, sweet cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans – all brought together with a tantalizing balsamic dressing that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about salads. This isn't just a side dish; it's a flavor explosion that will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the arugula under cold water and gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Next, slice the apple into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they are fragrant and slightly darker in color, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients without bruising the arugula.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy your Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp arugula for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green leaves without any wilting.
- Toast your pecans carefully – watch them closely to prevent burning, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
- Use a ripe, firm apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and crunch.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using a flavored olive oil or adding a drizzle of honey to the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep the arugula crisp and prevent wilting.
- Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or swapping feta for goat cheese if desired.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad extra fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
