This Arugula Pear Salad is a fresh and tasty mix! With peppery arugula, sweet pears, and crunchy nuts, it’s perfect for brightening any meal.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a colorful dish that sings of spring. Perfect as a side or a light lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula: This peppery green is essential for flavor. If you can’t find arugula, try baby spinach or mixed salad greens. Just note that they won’t have the same kick.
Pears: Ripe pears add sweetness and texture. If not in season, you could swap in apple slices, especially crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Walnuts: They give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re allergic, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes. I often use pecans for a different twist!
Cheese: Goat cheese adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan or need a dairy-free option, feta or even vegan cheese works well. Personally, I love the tang of goat cheese here.
Vinegar: White wine vinegar is light and fresh. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter touch, or even balsamic for a richer flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Dressing?
Making the dressing is simple, but it’s crucial to get the right balance of flavors. Start with the olive oil as your base and whisk in the vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper slowly to emulsify them.
- Choose a bowl that’s easy to whisk in, so ingredients mix well.
- Tip: Add the honey or maple syrup in small amounts, tasting as you go to find your preferred sweetness.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes gradually, adjusting to your liking.
This dressing can be prepared a little ahead of time. Just give it a quick whisk again before drizzling over the salad!
How to Make a Fresh Arugula Pear Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and looks smooth. If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
2. Build the Salad Base:
Take a large salad bowl and place the arugula in it. This will be your base, creating a lovely green bed for the other ingredients.
3. Add the Pears:
Next, arrange the thinly sliced pears on top of the arugula. Spread them out evenly so that every bite gets a taste of the sweet pears.
4. Top It Off:
Now, sprinkle the roughly chopped walnuts and crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese) over the salad. This adds a fantastic crunch and creaminess that really elevates the flavors.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing you made earlier all over the salad. Remember to toss it gently before serving! Just a light toss to coat the arugula and pears without bruising them.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad right away for the best flavor and freshness. Dive in and enjoy this delicious mix of peppery arugula, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Salad?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a wonderful crunch, you can switch them out for pecans, almonds, or even pistachios based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just be sure to roughly chop them for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftovers can be tricky since dressed salad can get soggy. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad can last up to 2 days in the fridge, while the dressing can be stored for about a week. Just give them both a nice toss before serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep it ahead! Make the dressing and store it in the fridge, and slice the pears just before you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the arugula stays crisp.
What’s a Good Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta is a fantastic alternative with a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese substitutes that crumble well. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter salad!
