Arugula Blue Cheese Salad with Apples, Walnuts and Cranberries

Apples, walnuts, and cranberries top this arugula blue cheese salad with wonderful flavors and textures. Toss with a homemade maple-mustard dressing for the perfect accompaniment to any fall meal.

Why you will love this salad

Say hello to the fall salad of my dreams! So many textures and flavors. Every single bite is packed with deliciousness. And all of the ingredients are readily available - and many have substitution options, so you can create the salad of your dreams too!

This arugula salad is so easy to pull together. And the from-scratch vinaigrette comes together with a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

This salad is fancy enough for special occasions or holidays, but it's also casual enough to enjoy as an easy lunch or weeknight dinner.

Top this salad with easy grilled chicken or serve alongside spiced pork tenderloin for a complete meal.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Arugula adds a peppery bite which pairs well with the other bold ingredients. You can swap out the arugula for other greens such as kale, spinach, or red leaf lettuce.
• Blue Cheese provides a creamy and tangy bite that pairs so well with the other ingredients. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can use Goat cheese or Feta cheese instead.
• Apples add a crisp fresh bite and beautiful color. Choose your favorite - Granny smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious are all great options. Pears can also be used.
• Red onion - Use a mandolin to cut the onion into very thin slices so the onion isn't too overpowering. For a milder onion flavor, use shallots instead.

• Walnuts or pecans - Nuts add great texture and toasting them enhances their flavor in a wonderful way. Walnuts and pecans are my favorite, but pistachios and almonds can also be used.
• Dried cherries or cranberries provide a wonderfully sweet, chewiness to this salad. You can also add dried apricots.
• Vinaigrette - This dressing features basic ingredients and couldn't be easier to whip up. I like adding delicatessen-style mustard but you can also use Dijon.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake well. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the arugula and most of the onions, cranberries, and walnuts (reserving some for the top).
3. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl. Top with the apples slices, blue cheese, and the rest of the onions, cranberries, and walnuts. Drizzle with more dressing or serve the extra on the side.

Tips for making

1. It's best to assemble this salad shortly before serving.  Add the apples and the vinaigrette right before serving. I like to dress the salad with half of the dressing and serve the remaining on the side.
2. If you need to prepare this ahead of time, combine everything except the apples and the dressing. Arrange on a serving platter and loosely cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Then, right before serving, arrange the apples on top and add the vinaigrette.
3. Toast the nuts before assembling the salad. Toasting enhances their flavor and it only takes a few minutes. Place the nuts in a non-stick skillet set over medium-low heat. Warm until the nuts are fragrant. If you have a few extra minutes, this step is worthwhile.

Equipment

Mixing bowl | Mandolin | Measuring cups and spoons | Mason jar

More apple recipes

• Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Apples
• Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Quiche
• Ham, Apple and Brie Panini

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This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated.