Orange Apple Arugula Salad with Honey-Roasted Almonds & Ginger Dressing
This vibrant Orange Apple Arugula Salad with Honey-Roasted Almonds & Ginger Dressing is a perfect combination of fresh flavors, with crisp arugula, juicy citrus fruits, and the added richness of honey-roasted almonds. The zesty ginger dressing ties everything together beautifully, offering a refreshing and delicious appetizer or light meal.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy dish to start a dinner party or craving a nutritious snack, this salad is packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. It’s simple to prepare, requiring only 15 minutes from start to finish, and is sure to impress anyone with its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arugula leaves | 1 bunch |
| Orange | 1, cut into wedges |
| Apple | 1, cut into wedges |
| Pickled onions | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh orange juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch, grated |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Poppy seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Almonds (Badam) | 10, sliced lengthwise |
| Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey (for roasting almonds) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2
Cuisine
- Cuisine Type: Continental
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by gathering all of your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the arugula leaves, orange wedges, apple wedges, and pickled onions. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Once mixed, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dressing and roasted almonds. -
Make the Ginger Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, fresh orange juice, honey, extra virgin olive oil, grated ginger, black pepper powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Whisk until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Let the dressing chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the honey-roasted almonds. -
Prepare the Honey-Roasted Almonds:
Heat a skillet over medium flame and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the almonds and sauté them for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat, then add the honey to the pan. Stir the almonds, coating them well with the honey. Turn the heat back up slightly and cook for an additional 30 seconds, constantly stirring, until the almonds become sticky and crispy. Once the almonds are done, transfer them to a bowl and set them aside to cool. -
Assemble the Salad:
Remove the chilled arugula mixture from the refrigerator. Drizzle the chilled ginger dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Once everything is well mixed, transfer the salad to a serving platter. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the salad with the honey-roasted almonds, allowing their sweet, nutty crunch to shine on top of the fresh salad. Serve immediately, or if desired, keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Tips for a Perfect Salad:
- Vary the nuts: If you prefer, you can swap the almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Add some cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can be a great addition for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Make it a meal: This salad can easily be turned into a meal by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa for protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Apple Arugula Salad is a great starter to accompany any light meal. Try pairing it with a savory Spinach Garlic Bruschetta with Red Bell Pepper Sauce as a side dish. For dessert, a rich Creme Caramel Flan will provide a sweet finish to this refreshing meal.
This salad is perfect for those looking for a quick yet sophisticated dish that’s full of nutrition and bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply craving something light and refreshing, this salad won’t disappoint! Enjoy the crisp textures of the fruit, the earthy peppery notes of the arugula, the sweetness of the honey-roasted almonds, and the zingy kick from the ginger dressing.
Enjoy the delightful combination of freshness, sweetness, and crunch in every bite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22-25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g (healthy fats from olive oil and almonds)
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
