Description

This Apple Arugula Salad combines crisp tart apples, peppery fresh arugula, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, all tossed in a tangy and naturally sweet apple cider vinegar dressing. The delightful mix of textures and flavors creates a fresh, light, yet filling salad that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups fresh arugula, washed and thoroughly dried
2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh arugula leaves to keep them vibrant and crisp. Core and thinly slice the apples maintaining their crunch and distribute them evenly in the salad.
Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces for easy tossing.
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 smooth and emulsified.
Toss everything together: In a large bowl, gently combine the arugula, sliced apples, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until everything is evenly coated without making the salad soggy.
Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, enjoy the salad right after tossing or within 30 minutes to keep ingredients fresh and crunchy.

Notes

Use fresh arugula to avoid bitterness and sogginess.
Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning and preserve crispness.
Adjust honey and apple cider vinegar quantities in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness or tanginess.
Serving the bacon slightly warm enhances its smoky aroma in the salad.
Gently toss the salad to keep the arugula crisp and maintain an even distribution of ingredients.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No cooking required except bacon crisping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: apple salad, arugula salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh salad, healthy lunch