Refreshing Arugula, Apple, Beet, and Blue Cheese Salad

This delicious salad combines peppery arugula, crisp apples, earthy beets, and salty blue cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal side dish for any weeknight meal or a festive holiday dinner.

This easy apple beet and blue cheese salad is more than a side dish; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Perfect for those fall special occasions, weeknight dinners, or even a cozy Christmas dinner. This salad is your secret weapon. The spicy arugula pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart apples and the earthy beets. The blue cheese crumbles add a creamy, salty finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe
• Ingredients
• How To Make This Apple Beet and Blue Cheese Salad
• Substitutions and Variations
• Storage Instructions
• What to serve with Beet Arugula Apple Salad
• Wine Suggestion
• More Delicious Salad Recipes
• Refreshing Arugula, Apple, Beet, and Blue Cheese Salad

Why you will love this recipe

• Healthy: Packed with leafy greens, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse. It's a delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad is a breeze to put together. It's perfect for those busy days when you want a healthy, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Whether you're serving it with grilled chicken breast for a main course, or as a refreshing side salad for lunch or dinner, this salad fits the bill. It's a versatile addition to any meal.
• Delicious: This salad has a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The peppery bite of the arugula, the sweet apples, and the salty blue cheese crumbles create a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Baby arugula
• Apples
• Cooked beets (here's how to boil beets)
• Blue cheese

See the recipe card for quantities.

For Salad Dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Raw apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
• Wholegrain mustard (or Dijon mustard)
• Raw honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make This Apple Beet and Blue Cheese Salad

Make the Salad:

• Prep all salad ingredients.
• Assemble the salad on a serving platter or in a salad bowl. 
• Dress the salad just before serving.

Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. (Or add all the dressing ingredients to a jar, seal, and shake until well combined.)
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Taste and add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
• Serve with the salad.

Substitutions and Variations

• Feel free to choose your preferred apple variety, such as Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady apples, Red or Golden Delicious, or any other favorite you have in mind.
• Explore different cheeses like creamy goat cheese or tangy feta cheese for a unique twist.
• Add some texture and flavor by adding toasted nuts such as pecans, and walnuts, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Get creative with additional ingredients like pickled red onion, dried cranberries, or vibrant pomegranate seeds.
• For a different flavor profile, consider switching up the dressing with options like balsamic or red wine vinaigrette.

Storage Instructions

Make Ahead:

To prepare this salad in advance, store the salad ingredients and dressing in separate airtight containers. When ready to serve, assemble the salad and toss with the dressing.

Storing Leftovers:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them without the dressing for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to serve with Beet Arugula Apple Salad

• Grilled or Roast Chicken: Tender, succulent grilled or roast chicken makes an excellent pairing with the vibrant flavors of the salad. The juicy chicken complements the peppery arugula and adds a hearty protein element to your meal.
• Steak: A perfectly cooked steak, whether it's a juicy ribeye, a tender filet mignon, or a flavorful sirloin, is a fantastic choice to serve alongside this salad. The rich, savory flavors of the steak beautifully contrast with the crispness of the apples and the creaminess of the blue cheese.
• Holiday Dishes like Roast Turkey: For special occasions or holiday feasts, consider serving this salad alongside a classic roast turkey. The salad's bright and refreshing flavors provide a delightful contrast to the comforting and hearty nature of a roast turkey.
• Or with a Glazed Gammon or Ham: A succulent glazed ham is another wonderful option to consider. The sweet and savory notes of the ham work harmoniously with the salad's peppery arugula and the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Grilled Salmon: If you're leaning towards seafood, a beautifully grilled salmon fillet is an excellent choice. Its rich, buttery texture complements the earthy beets and the creamy blue cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Consider incorporating plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils. These alternatives provide a substantial and nutritious addition to the meal, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

Wine Suggestion

A crisp white wine like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would be the perfect complement to the flavors of this salad.

This salad is more than a side dish; it's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The peppery arugula, crisp apples, and earthy beets come together in perfect harmony. The creamy, salty blue cheese crumbles add that final touch of indulgence. 

So whether it's for a special occasion or a cozy fall dinner, this salad is sure to be the star of the show. Enjoy!

More Delicious Salad Recipes

Print

The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.