Description
A vibrant and refreshing Apple Arugula Salad combining peppery fresh arugula, crisp tart apples, savory smoked turkey bacon, toasted nuts, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Quick to prepare in under 15 minutes, this versatile salad is perfect as a light main course or a flavorful side dish that suits various occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thoroughly wash and dry the fresh arugula to ensure no excess moisture. Core and thinly slice the apples to keep their crisp texture. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, honey (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced apples, chopped turkey bacon, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Plate and Serve: Transfer the salad to serving bowls or plates. Add optional garnishes if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best crunch and flavor.
- Make sure to dry the arugula completely to prevent sogginess in the salad.
- Lightly toast walnuts or pecans for enhanced aroma and crunch.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing gradually to balance acidity to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple arugula salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, fresh apple salad, quick healthy salad, crunchy apple salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, gluten free salad
