Discover the fresh and flavorful Crispy Apple & Arugula Delight salad that’s perfect for any occasion! With crunchy apples, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of a tangy homemade dressing, this recipe combines sweet and savory elements for an unforgettable dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's a quick delight for your table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
4 cups fresh arugula, thoroughly washed and dried
1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), core removed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped for added texture
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a creamy contrast)
1/4 cup dried cranberries, for a sweet touch
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tanginess
1 teaspoon honey to balance flavors
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
![- 4 cups arugula - 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup walnuts - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey To create this simple apple arugula salad, start with fresh produce. I love using arugula. It has a peppery taste that pairs well with sweet apples. I often choose Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Next, I add nuts for crunch. Walnuts add a nice earthy flavor. Feta cheese is optional but provides a creamy touch. Then, I consider dried ingredients. Dried cranberries bring sweetness and color. I finish with salt and fresh black pepper to balance all the flavors. For the dressing, I use extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness. Apple cider vinegar gives the salad a tangy bite. A bit of honey adds sweetness, making it perfect. Every bite of this salad is fresh and flavorful. You can find the full recipe below for detailed steps to make this delightful dish. - Step 1: Combine arugula and apple slices. In a large bowl, add 4 cups of fresh arugula. Then, add 1 large, thinly sliced apple. I love using Granny Smith for a nice tartness. Toss them gently to mix. - Step 2: Add walnuts, feta cheese, and cranberries. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of optional crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. This mix adds great flavor and crunch. - Step 3: Whisk together dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper too. - Step 4: Emulsify until well mixed. Whisk the dressing vigorously. You want it to blend into a smooth, thick mix. This will coat the salad nicely. - Step 5: Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad. Make sure you cover everything well for the best taste. - Step 6: Toss gently to coat. Use your hands to toss the salad. Be gentle so you don’t bruise the arugula or break the apple slices. - Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning. Take a bite of your salad. If it needs more flavor, add a bit more salt and pepper to taste. - Step 8: Serve on chilled plates. Serve the salad right away on chilled plates. This keeps it fresh and crisp. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. - Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best taste. Fresh arugula and crisp apples shine in this dish. - Adjust vinegar and honey for personal preference. If you like it tangy, add more vinegar. For sweetness, increase the honey. - Serve in shallow bowls for elegance. A beautiful presentation makes the salad more inviting. - Garnish with whole walnuts and feta. This adds a nice touch and makes your salad look fancy. - Prepare ingredients in advance for quick assembly. Wash and slice your apples and arugula ahead of time. - Store dressing separately until serving. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. Enjoy making your Simple Apple Arugula Salad! {{image_4}} You can make this salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Just slice the protein and place it on top. This adds flavor and makes the salad filling. If you want to change the taste, swap the apple for pear. Other seasonal fruits like peaches or berries also taste great. This gives you different flavors and keeps the salad fresh. You can make this salad friendly for all diets. Use vegan feta for a dairy-free option. This keeps the creaminess without any dairy. If you need a nut-free option, substitute nuts with seeds. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds add crunch and taste, too. To keep your apple arugula salad fresh, store the salad and dressing separately. This helps keep the arugula crisp and the apples fresh. If you mix them together, the salad can become soggy. Use a container with a lid for the salad and a small jar for the dressing. You can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before you eat it. Salad is best when it is fresh. Avoid reheating it, as that can make the greens wilt and lose their crunch. Enjoy it cold for the best taste! If you're looking for a fresh experience, you can always make a new batch using the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use balsamic or red wine vinegar instead. They add a nice flavor. Experiment with what you have at home. Both options work well in this salad. To make the salad vegan, just leave out the feta cheese. You can also use a plant-based dressing. This way, you keep all the great flavors without animal products. This salad pairs well with grilled meats. You can also serve it with crusty bread. Both options make for a tasty and balanced meal. To make the salad heartier, add grains like quinoa or farro. These grains give extra texture and nutrients. You can cook them ahead of time and mix them in for a satisfying meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post walks you through a simple, tasty salad recipe. You learned what ingredients to use, from fresh arugula to walnuts and apple slices. I shared easy steps for preparation and tips to enhance flavors. You can try variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Finally, proper storage can keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy this salad as a healthy side or light meal. It’s a great way to add nutrients and flavor to your diet. Happy cooking!](https://roastedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3150baa1-5851-4aee-8d19-c8a5ecc1b42f-300x300.webp)