This Apple Arugula Salad is loaded with crisp apples, peppery arugula, toasted pecans, smoky tempeh bacon, and vegan feta, all tossed in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It's fresh, vibrant, and can be enjoyed on its own, or served as a side!
This vegan apple bacon salad has everything you want in a salad.
Sweet, savory, crunchy, and fresh flavors all come together on a bed of tender greens with a bright, tangy vinaigrette.
You're definitely going to want to put this one on your regular lunch rotation!
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Ingredients
This salad couldn't be easier!
Prep the tempeh bacon and apple cider vinaigrette ahead of time, and you can have this tasty arugula salad on the table in minutes.
Arugula: I use baby arugula as the base because the peppery flavor pairs well with the sweet and savory elements of this salad.
Apple: Any variety works well here but I prefer a sweeter apple so I typically go for a gala apple.
Pecans: Crunchy and nutty, adding great texture.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and a subtle bite that complements the apple.
Tempeh Bacon: I used my air fryer tempeh bacon recipe but baked it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Store-bought vegan bacon works too.
Vegan Feta: I love Violife or Follow Your Heart crumbles.
Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Sweet, tangy, and super simple to make. It perfectly balances the sweet apple, peppery arugula, and smoky tempeh!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Recipe
In just a few steps, you'll have a fresh and crunchy salad that's perfect for any occasion!
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the arugula to a large bowl and add in tempeh bacon, toasted pecans, sliced or diced apple, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled vegan feta. Toss to combine.
Step 2: Make the dressing by adding all of the salad dressing ingredients to a jar. Shake until combined.
Step 3: Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Note: If you're planning to have leftovers, store the dressing and the salad separate.
Substitutions & Variations
This vegan apple bacon salad is super easy to customize.
Don't have pecans? Almonds or walnuts work just as well. Don't have tempeh bacon? Use store-bought vegan bacon or crispy chickpeas!
Arugula: I love baby arugula, but if it's not your favorite, you can easily swap in spinach, kale, or a spring mix.
Change the fruit: Try pears or even dried cranberries instead of or along with the apple.
Switch the nuts: Replace pecans with almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
Swap the tempeh: Toss in crispy chickpeas or baked tofu instead.
Red Onion: I use raw, but pickled red onions would be amazing!
Vegan Feta: Any vegan feta crumble works, or leave it out.
Dressing: Feel free to switch up the vinaigrette! Maple dijon vinaigrette or balsamic maple dressing are great alternatives.
Serving Ideas
This apple salad is perfect on its own for a light lunch or dinner, and it also makes a colorful, flavorful side when paired with grain bowls or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
Dress just before serving. Combine the salad with the dressing right before eating to keep the arugula crisp.
If planning to have leftovers, store the dressing separate.
Toast the nuts. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. Skip this step by buying toasted pecans.
Prep bacon ahead for convenience. Tempeh bacon is best marinaded overnight and can be baked in advance as well.
Storage
This salad is best eaten fresh. The apples may brown slightly, and if the leftovers are already dressed, the arugula may wilt but it's still perfectly good.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator with the dressing on the side, and enjoy within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate and assemble just before serving to prevent wilting.
Absolutely. Baby spinach, kale, or a spring mix all make great alternatives.
Lightlife makes both a tempeh bacon and a Smart Bacon that are tasty and easy to find, and Upton's has a seitan bacon that's great if you want a smoky, chewy alternative. Homemade tofu bacon or coconut bacon are also good options!
More Salad Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Apple Arugula Salad
Ingredients
Apple Arugula Salad
- 1 batch Tempeh Bacon or store-bought vegan bacon
- ½ cup Pecans toasted
- 7 ounces Baby Arugula
- 1 large Gala Apple diced or sliced
- ¼ medium Red Onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup Crumbled Vegan Feta
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon Shallot minced
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- ⅓ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Make one batch of tempeh bacon, or prepare store-bought vegan bacon according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add the arugula to a large bowl and add in tempeh bacon, toasted pecans, sliced or diced apple, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled vegan feta. Toss to combine.
- Make the dressing by adding all of the salad dressing ingredients to a jar. Shake until combined.
- Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Notes
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