This Apple Arugula Salad with Pistachios and Goat Cheese is about fresh, simple flavors. Tender arugula pairs beautifully with crisp apple slices, crunchy pistachios, and sliced almonds, topped with creamy goat cheese. Drizzled with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s an easy, bright salad that works perfectly as a side or a light main dish.
If you are looking for other salad recipes, I have many good ones on the site.
What is arugula?
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. It is part of the mustard family and is often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. Native to the Mediterranean region, arugula is also called rocket or rucola and is valued for its tender texture and distinctive taste.
Ingredients
- Arugula- If you are unsure of what to look for in fresh arugula, keep reading below.
- Apples-Cosmic Crisp or Honeycrisp are my favorite.
- Goat cheese- You really can use any type of cheese you like, but creamy, tangy goat cheese is my favorite.
- Pistachios and sliced almonds-These are my go-to’s for this salad, but you can use any others you ilke.
- Olive oil- for the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar- dressing as well.
- Dijon mustard- used as an emulsifier in the vinaigrette.
- Honey-for lightly sweetening the dressing.
- Salt and pepper- for the vinaigrette
How to make
This salad is best served fresh, but it comes together quickly, so this is no problem. Add ingredients for the salad to your serving bowl. In a small mason jar, mix the ingredients for the apple cider vinaigrette. Shake or whisk well until it is mixed. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Drizzle it over the salad. Toss if you like and serve.
Top tip: I like to set a bed of arugula in the serving bowl and toss this with part of the dressing. Layer on the rest of the ingredients, then drizzle with the rest of the dressing.
If you want to try another dressing recipe for this salad, let me suggest my honey mustard dressing that uses stone ground mustard. It is my favorite for falltime salads.
How to choose the best arugula
- Look for Bright Green Leaves: The leaves should be vibrant and free from yellowing or browning.
- Check for Firmness: Fresh arugula leaves should be crisp, not wilted or limp.
- Inspect for Damage: Avoid bunches with holes, tears, or signs of pests.
- Smell for Freshness: Arugula should have a mild, peppery aroma.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Steer clear of bags or bunches with excessive condensation, as moisture can lead to spoilage.
Fresh Apple Arugula Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 small apples- Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp
- 2-3 ounces goat cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
Apple cider vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt more as needed
- dash ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients for the vinaigrette. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. Set this aside.
- Now it is time to assemble the salad. I sliced my apples, but you can also cut them into chunks if you prefer. Start with a bed of arugula in your serving bowl. Drizzle with a little vinaigrette and mix.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!