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Some of the best recipes come with a story, and this restaurant-style arugula salad with manchego and apples is one of mine. My daughter and I first tasted it at Catal, the beloved Downtown Disney restaurant that has since closed. The peppery arugula, crisp apples, nutty Manchego, and smoky candied walnuts made such an impression, I had to recreate it at home.

Now it’s a staple at home, bringing back those memories with every bite. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals, this salad proves that sometimes the most magical dishes are the ones worth recreating.

I’ve adapted the salad just a bit for home cooking, leaving out one of the original components and simplifying the prep so it’s easier to enjoy any time. The flavors are all here, though—and to us, it’s every bit as crave-worthy as the version we remember from Catal.

Best of all, many of the components can be made ahead—like the candied walnuts, pickled shallots, and even the vinaigrette—so pulling it together is easier than it looks. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight dinners, this salad brings a little Disney magic back to our table every time.

If you’re a fellow salad lover, or want to become a salad lover, I’ve got even more really delicious salad recipes you’ll want seconds of! Try my juicy and refreshing peach salad, the bold and flavorful Mediterranean salad, a zesty Southwest salad, or our family favorite house salad that’s practically perfect with everything.

✨ This salad looks restaurant-fancy, but it’s secretly weeknight-easy.

Before You Begin

✨ Make-ahead magic: Don’t be put off by the ingredient list—your candied walnuts, pickled shallots, and even the dressing can all be prepped ahead. That means the salad itself comes together in just minutes!
Choose crisp apples: Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are our favorites because they stay crunchy and bright, even after slicing.
Shave, don’t grate the cheese: Thin shards of Manchego (or Parm if that’s what you have) melt beautifully into the salad without overpowering.
A little citrus zest goes a long way: It brightens all the flavors and gives the whole dish that special, restaurant-style finish.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor fireworks: Peppery arugula, nutty Manchego, sweet dates, and smoky candied walnuts strike the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Elegant yet easy: While it looks restaurant-worthy, most components are simple to prep—and many can be made ahead.
Versatile: This salad feels at home at a dinner party, holiday table, or as a crave-worthy weeknight side.
A Disney memory, recreated: Inspired by our favorite dish at Downtown Disney’s Catal, it’s a way to bring a little magic to your own kitchen.

Arugula Salad Recipe Ingredients

Arugula: Baby arugula works best here—it’s tender and peppery without being too bitter.
Apples: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are my go-tos because they’re crisp, sweet-tart, and don’t brown as quickly.
Manchego: Aged Manchego gives a nutty, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and arugula. Parmigiano-Reggiano or a sharp white cheddar also work if you can’t find Manchego. Costco and Trader Joe’s generally stock this cheese.
Dates: Their natural caramel-like sweetness balances the peppery greens. You can swap in dried figs, cranberries, or golden raisins if you prefer.
Smoky Candied Walnuts: The homemade version really makes this salad shine—adding smoked paprika gives depth you won’t get from store-bought.
Shallots: Quick-pickling mellows their bite. If you don’t have shallots, very thinly sliced red onion is a great stand-in.
Avocado Oil: The salad was originally made with walnut oil. Walnut oil adds a nuanced flavor. Frankly, I generally don’t have it on hand, so I use avocado oil. It adds a subtle, buttery flavor, but extra-virgin olive oil works just as well for the dressing.

What to Serve With Arugula Salad with Manchego and Apples

This salad is versatile enough to shine at a holiday feast, dinner party, or even a casual weeknight meal. Here are some of our favorite pairings:

Crispy Sides

Onion Rings: That irresistible crunch is a fun contrast to the tender greens.

Comfort Food Pairings

Kielbasa and Potatoes: A hearty, savory main that balances the light, fresh salad.
Chicken and Rice Casserole: Cozy and creamy with just the right pop of freshness from the salad.
Sloppy Joe Casserole: All the cheesy, saucy comfort of classic sloppy joes in an easy casserole—perfect with a bright, crisp salad on the side.

Special Occasion Mains

Grilled Pork Tenderloin: Juicy and smoky, it plays beautifully with the sweet dates and apples.
Texas Chili: Rich and bold chili alongside a bright, elegant salad makes a wow-worthy combo.

Sweet Finishes

Lemon Bars: Their tangy sweetness makes a perfect ending after this savory-sweet salad.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic, chewy, and buttery—because no one ever says no to a cookie this delicious!
New Brownies: Deeply chocolatey, fudgy, and impossible to resist with a lighter main course.

Dinner Party Menu Idea 🍷✨

Want to turn this salad into the centerpiece of a full meal? Start with an arugula salad with manchego and apples to wow your guests with something light, fresh, and a little gourmet. Follow it with a bubbling hot lasagna for all the cozy, cheesy comfort everyone loves.

End on a sweet note with a tray of strawberry white chocolate tart, pear cobbler, or fudge pie —because no one ever says no to homemade dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! The candied walnuts, quick-pickled shallots, and dressing can all be prepped a day or two in advance. Just slice the apples right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have Manchego? No problem—Parmigiano-Reggiano or even a good sharp white cheddar makes a great swap. You’ll still get that nutty, salty bite that balances the sweet apples and dates.
Do I have to use dates? Not at all. I think that dates are the most underrated dried fruit available. I use them a lot. Dates add a rich, chewy sweetness, but dried figs, cranberries, or even golden raisins work beautifully here.
How do I keep the apples from browning? Toss your apple slices with a little lemon or orange juice right after slicing. It adds a pop of citrus flavor and keeps them looking fresh.
Can I use store-bought candied walnuts? You absolutely can, and frankly, I often do when I’m short on time. They’re wonderful! That said, the homemade smoky candied walnuts taste even better—and they’re quick to make. The hint of paprika gives this salad its unique flavor.
Is this salad filling enough for a main dish? Absolutely! You can enjoy it as-is for a lighter meal, or add shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or leftover honey glazed salmon to make it deliciously heartier.

Storing, Reheating, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

How Long Can You Keep This in The Fridge? Once made and dressed, this arugula salad will need to be eaten immediately. If you store the salad separately from the vinaigrette, it can be kept for a few days
Can You Freeze This? This cannot be frozen.
Food Safety: If you’d like more info on food safety, check out this link for the salad.

How To Make Arugula Salad

More Sensational Salads

Tried This Recipe? 💕

I’d love to hear what you think! If you make this Arugula Salad with Manchego and Apples, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below—it helps other readers (and our little cooking community!) so much!!

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