Best Arugula And Apple Salad With Cider Vinaigrette Recipes

Arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette recipe is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for any season. It is a refreshing and light salad that is easy to make, yet exquisite in taste. This salad features the bitterness of arugula leaves, the sweetness of apples, and a tangy dressing made of apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 5 cups of packed arugula leaves
• 2 green apples
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup of roughly chopped walnuts

For the cider vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing the cider vinaigrette dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the mixture. 2. Wash and dry arugula leaves thoroughly and place them in a large salad bowl. Cut the apples into thin slices and remove the core. Add the sliced apples to the bowl with arugula. 3. Add crumbled feta cheese and roughly chopped walnuts to the bowl with arugula and apples. 4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the top of the salad mixture and toss the salad, so that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Variations

This classic arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette recipe can be modified with a few different substitutions to give it some variety.

Cheese:

Feta cheese can be substituted with blue cheese, goat cheese or Parmesan cheese.

Nuts:

Walnuts can be replaced with pecans, almonds, hazelnuts or pine nuts.

Dairy-free:

If you are looking to make this salad dairy-free, substitute feta cheese with avocado or extra nuts.

Sweeteners:

Maple syrup or agave can be used as a substitute for honey.

Health Benefits

This arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette recipe is a powerhouse of healthy nutrients.

Arugula:

Arugula is a cruciferous vegetable, packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and K, folate, calcium and potassium. It is low in calories and high in fiber, which makes it great for digestion.

Apples:

Apples are rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Cider Vinegar:

Cider vinegar has been known to stabilize blood sugar levels, improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss.

Nuts:

Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber and minerals like magnesium, zinc and selenium.

Feta Cheese:

Feta cheese is a great source of protein and calcium which are essential for strong bones.

Conclusion

Arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette recipe is easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. It’s perfect for any season and can be customized with different toppings and dressings for variety. This salad provides numerous health benefits, thanks to its ingredients that are packed with nutritional value.

Arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette is a delightful and refreshing dish that is easy to prepare and is perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tart flavors are balanced perfectly, making the dish an ideal salad that everyone will love. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, here are some valuable tips to consider when making arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette:

Tip #1: Choose the right ingredients

When making arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette, it is important to choose the right ingredients to ensure that the flavors complement each other. The arugula should be fresh and crisp, and the apples should be firm and not too ripe. For the vinaigrette, it is best to use a high-quality cider vinegar and olive oil. You should also choose the right herbs and spices to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Choosing Apples

When it comes to choosing apples for your arugula salad, it's important to select the right type. Crisp, sweet, and tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Cortland apples are perfect for this salad. However, you can use any type of apple that you prefer!

Using Fresh Arugula

Fresh arugula is the key to a delicious salad. When purchasing arugula, make sure that it is green and crisp. Check the leaves for any signs of yellowing or wilting as this indicates that the arugula is not fresh.

Choosing High-Quality Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil

When it comes to the vinaigrette, the quality of the ingredients is essential. High-quality cider vinegar and cold-pressed olive oil are the best options for this recipe. The vinegar should have a distinct apple flavor and a clean tartness that complements the sweetness of the apples.

Tip #2: Wash and prepare the ingredients carefully

Before you start preparing the salad, it is essential that you wash and prepare the ingredients carefully. This will ensure that the salad is clean, fresh, and safe to eat.

Washing and Drying the Arugula

Arugula is notorious for being sandy and should be rinsed thoroughly before using it. To wash arugula, place it in a large bowl of cold water and swish it around. Leave the arugula in the water for a few minutes to allow any dirt or sand to settle. Once clean, lift the arugula out of the water and spin it in a salad spinner to remove any excess water. Alternatively, you can dry the arugula with a kitchen towel.

Prepping the Apples

When it comes to prepping the apples, wash and dry them before slicing them into thin, even pieces. If you prefer, you can peel the apples, but it's not necessary.

Tip #3: Be mindful of the vinaigrette

The vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, and it's essential that you get it right. Here are some valuable tips for making the perfect cider vinaigrette.

Balancing the Sweetness and Tartness

When making the vinaigrette, it's essential to balance the sweetness and tartness. The apple cider vinegar provides the tartness, while the honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Keep tasting the dressing as you add each ingredient, adjusting the sweetness and tang to suit your taste.

Using the Right Herbs and Spices

To enhance the flavor of the vinaigrette, add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary, ground pepper, or Dijon mustard. These spices work well with the sweetness of the dressing and add a savory flavor to the salad.

Tip #4: Serve the salad immediately

Arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette is best served immediately after preparation. The crisp and fresh texture of the salad and the flavors of the vinaigrette can be lost if left too long. Serve the salad cold and season it with salt and pepper before serving.

Plating the Salad

To plate the salad, gently toss the arugula and sliced apples with the vinaigrette and sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top. Serve in a large salad bowl or distribute into individual plates.

Conclusion

Arugula and apple salad with cider vinaigrette is a fantastic dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing and healthy salad that's easy to prepare. With these valuable tips, you can create a delicious and balanced salad that everyone will love. Remember to choose the right ingredients, wash and prepare them carefully, and be mindful of the vinaigrette. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp and refreshing flavor to the fullest!