Introduction

This Apple Arugula Salad is a refreshing blend of peppery greens, sweet crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts. Topped with creamy feta and a tangy honey vinaigrette, it’s a perfect light meal or vibrant side dish for any occasion.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three layers: the bottom layer is dark green arugula leaves with a soft texture, the middle layer has thin, bright red onion rings and golden brown walnut pieces scattered evenly, and the top layer contains several slices of red apple with white inner flesh, crumbled blue cheese dotted around, and a light drizzle of dressing shining slightly on the ingredients, all set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
2 large apples, thinly sliced
½ cup walnuts, toasted
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, apple slices, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until the dressing is well blended. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
Step 4: Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, either as a light meal or a delicious side dish.

Tips & Variations

Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
Try using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
To make the salad more filling, add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.

Storage

Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness. If pre-dressed, consume immediately as the arugula and apples may wilt.

How to Serve

A fresh arugula salad in a white bowl, with a base layer of bright green arugula leaves. On top are thin slices of red apple with white flesh, evenly spread out. Scattered among the apple slices are small chunks of white and blue-veined cheese, and crunchy brown walnut pieces. Thin rings of pale purple-red onions are mixed in, adding color contrast. The whole salad is lightly sprinkled with ground pepper. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft grey cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and apples fresh.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan work well as substitutes if you want a different texture or flavor but still want the creamy, tangy element in the salad.

Apple Arugula Salad with Walnuts and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

A refreshing and tangy Apple Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula, crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a honey apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
2 large apples, thinly sliced
½ cup walnuts, toasted
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently mix together the fresh arugula, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until fully emulsified. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
Toss the salad: Carefully toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavors.
Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad right away as a fresh and tangy side dish or a light, wholesome meal.

Notes

Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Toast walnuts lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nuttiness without adding oil.
For a vegan version, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain freshness.
Adjust honey quantity to control the sweetness of the dressing.

Keywords: apple arugula salad, fresh salad, walnut salad, feta salad, honey apple vinaigrette, healthy salad recipe, light meal, side dish