Pear and Arugula Salad is a fresh and delicious choice for any meal. It combines sweet pears with the peppery flavor of arugula, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. The creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts add texture and richness. Plus, the homemade vinaigrette brings everything together with a tasty balance of flavors. This salad is not only easy to make, but it’s also healthy and visually appealing.
How to make Pear and Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced pear, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
How to serve Pear and Arugula Salad
Serve Pear and Arugula Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. You can also add it to a picnic spread or serve it at gatherings for a refreshing option.
How to store Pear and Arugula Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the salad is best eaten fresh. If stored, keep the vinaigrette separate and add it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the arugula.
Tips to make Pear and Arugula Salad
- Use ripe pears for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Toast the walnuts lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of goat cheese to your liking.
- Add more vegetables like sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for more color and taste.
Variation
For a different twist, try adding sliced strawberries instead of pears, or use feta cheese instead of goat cheese. You could also add dried cranberries or shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the salad fresh. If you need to prepare it ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving.
Q: What can I substitute for goat cheese?
A: Cream cheese, feta cheese, or even blue cheese can be good substitutes if you prefer a different flavor.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: No, this salad is not vegan due to the goat cheese and honey. You can omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Print
Pear and Arugula Salad
A fresh and delicious salad combining sweet pears, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, topped with a homemade vinaigrette.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced pear, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the vinaigrette separate until serving to maintain the crispness of the arugula.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian