Honestly, holiday entertaining has got me stuck in a heavy food rut. After days of gravy and pie, I am dying for a good solid salad.
Even at the holidays, when life is all about indulgence, arugula salad is one of my favourites because the peppery flavour helps cut through all the other richness on the spread.
It’s not about calorie counting, it’s simply about giving the old palate a solid flavour break. Sometimes I just need something refreshing, green and light to wipe the slate clean between all those super gluttonous bites.
This arugula salad does that and oh so much more.
Why I love this Arugula Salad
It has a nice balance of flavours and textures with the mild crunchy celery, the sweet acidic apples, the peppery arugula and sweet pecans. The arugula salad also a great make-ahead dish that can sit while you worry about getting all the hot plates on the table at the exact same time. I get it, that can be stressful, you need all the salads you can get.
And don’t just think this bad boy is limited to the holidays. It’s so simple and inexpensive to pull together that it can easily sass-up a casual mid-week meal. Honestly, this salad can make rice-a-roni look gourmet- trust me, I know.
What are your favourite add-ins for arugula salad? What are your go-to holiday salads? Leave me a message below, I would love to hear your ideas and what has worked well in your home!
Celery, Pecan & Apple Arugula Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 oz arugula washed and dried
- 1 leaves head of celery and stalks sliced thinly on bias
- 1 red apple thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup candied pecans chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp grainy mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup or to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the arugula, celery and apple in a bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the apple cider, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, grainy mustard, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with the dressing and top with the candied pecans. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Updated on October 4th, 2021
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Sara says
Delicious!
Lex @ Flecks of Lex says
This recipe sounds great! I’m a huge fan of arugula in salads. they just pack so much flavor!
Abbey Sharp says
totally agree!!
Ilka says
What can I say? I just LOVE this salad!
Abbey Sharp says
thanks love!
Mikki says
I LOVE fresh salads like this. Looks great and so delicious. Salad is going to be my lunch for today for sure!
Abbey Sharp says
yes!! you need it!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
this looks lovely! i have some fresh arugula in my garden, so looking forward to giving this a try!!
Abbey Sharp says
enjoy! its a great combo
glenneth says
what an easy sounding but beautiful salad. i love a good apple in my salad and this salad definitely has that “Crunch” factor.
Abbey Sharp says
thats my favourite part of salad
Sarah Grace Spann says
I have been loving my arugula lately! And there is just something about pears on a salad that is just so good! Mmm!
Abbey Sharp says
agreed. its a winning combo
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
This salad sounds perfectly light while still offering yummy fall flavors!
Abbey Sharp says
absolutely! cool weather doesnt have to mean heavy food
Kimberly says
I love a salad with all the extras. This one is perfect for Fall!
Abbey Sharp says
absolutely!
KAYLA @ BLONDES HAVE MORE RUN says
I love pear on my arugula salads and the addition of any kind of nut just takes it over the top! Saving this!
Abbey Sharp says
totally agree!!
Robert J. Barouski says
Great looking salad! Which store(s) sells apple cider vinaigrette & candied pecans? These items are not something one sees / finds every day.
Thank you,
b
Abbey Sharp says
You can definitely make your own candied pecans if you can’t find them. Here’s a great recipe https://www.abbeyskitchen.com/rosemary-orange-candied-nuts/
As for champagne vinaigrette, i find it easier but I’m in canada. You can also sub in white wine vinegar or cider vinegar 🙂