Imagine a salad that captures the essence of autumn in every single bite - crisp, vibrant, and bursting with seasonal goodness. This Delicious Raw Fall Salad isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and nutrition. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a foodie looking for a quick gourmet meal, or someone who wants to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the arugula thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Carefully slice the apple into thin, uniform slices using a sharp knife. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the apple slices with a small amount of lemon juice.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, gently arrange the arugula as a base layer, creating a fresh green foundation for the salad.
- Artfully distribute the thinly sliced apples over the arugula, creating an attractive pattern.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese evenly across the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating with the dressing, being careful not to bruise the delicate arugula leaves.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest, with all ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant.
Tips
- Always use the freshest ingredients possible - the quality of your produce will make or break this salad.
- Toast the walnuts just before serving to maximize their nutty aroma and crunch.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
- For a more intense flavor, consider using a flavored olive oil or adding a drizzle of honey to the vinaigrette.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties if goat cheese isn't your preference - feta or blue cheese can work wonderfully.
- To make the salad more substantial, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
- Always slice apples just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
