Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad blending crisp apple halves, toasted walnuts, and tangy goat cheese with a warm cinnamon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs arugula, large, cored and halved apple, crumbled goat cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine arugula, apple halves, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until the leaves are evenly coated and the apple halves are lightly glazed.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arugula from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Apple Cinnamon Arugula Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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