Zesty Pear and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Pear and arugula delight brings a symphony of unexpected flavors to your plate, dancing between sweet and peppery notes.

Crisp seasonal ingredients merge effortlessly in this elegant culinary creation that challenges traditional salad expectations.

Bright green leaves contrast beautifully against smooth, golden fruit slices, creating a visual masterpiece on your dining surface.

Mediterranean-inspired balsamic dressing adds a complex depth that revamps simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Delicate yet bold, this recipe speaks to sophisticated palates seeking refreshing complexity in every bite.

Nutritionists adore how these ingredients balance each other, delivering remarkable health benefits without sacrificing incredible taste.

Sophisticated home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum impact.

Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing: A Fresh Twist

• Craft Vibrant Flavor Harmony: Pear and arugula create a delightful taste combination with sharp, peppery arugula balanced by sweet, juicy pears and tangy goat cheese.
• Elevate Texture Play: Enjoy a delicious mix of crisp arugula, smooth goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and soft pear slices that make each bite interesting and satisfying.
• Master Quick Gourmet Technique: This elegant salad comes together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients and easy preparation, making it perfect for impressive last-minute meals or sophisticated gatherings.

Ingredients for Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing

• Arugula: Peppery green base that provides a bold, spicy foundation for the salad.
• Pears: Sweet and crisp fruit that adds refreshing texture and natural sweetness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps blend flavors and create a silky texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich, tangy liquid that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that helps emulsify the dressing and provides a subtle kick.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings robust flavor to the dressing.
• Sea Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds gentle heat and complexity.

• Onions: Sharp vegetable that adds crunch and can be softened by soaking in ice water.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that provides a rich and smooth element.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart fruit that offers a burst of flavor and color.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts that bring a crunchy texture and nutty undertone.

How to Make Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing

Step 1: Soften the Onions

If desired, place sliced onions in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharp flavor. Drain completely and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build the Salad Base

Spread fresh arugula across a large serving bowl as the foundation of your salad.

Step 4: Layer the Flavors

Arrange thinly sliced pears evenly over the arugula. Sprinkle the softened onions across the pears.

Step 5: Add Delicious Toppings

• Crumbled goat cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans

Step 6: Finish with Dressing

Give the dressing another quick shake if it has separated. Lightly drizzle over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

Pro Tips for Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing

• Soak Onions Smartly: Tame the sharp bite by soaking sliced onions in ice water, ensuring a milder, more pleasant crunch in your salad.
• Blend Dressing Like a Pro: Use a mason jar for foolproof emulsification, shaking vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated balsamic vinaigrette.
• Layer with Precision: Arrange ingredients strategically, starting with arugula as a vibrant base, then carefully distribute pears and onions for visual appeal.
• Balance Textures Perfectly: Combine creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and chewy dried cranberries to create a delightful sensory experience.
• Dress at the Last Moment: Drizzle balsamic dressing just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent wilting of delicate arugula leaves.

Storing and Reheating Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing

• Refrigeration: Separate the salad components and store them in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and greens in a different container to prevent wilting. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it will compromise the crisp texture of arugula and pears. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let ingredients reach room temperature.
• Freshness Tip: Revive slightly soggy arugula by gently patting with a paper towel. Add fresh pecans and a drizzle of balsamic dressing to restore the salad's vibrant flavors and crunch.

Pairing Pear and Arugula with Wine

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's light, peppery arugula and sweet pears with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the balsamic dressing's tangy notes.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious balsamic vinaigrette and add a satisfying textural contrast.
• Elevate with Grilled Protein: Add a side of lemon-herb grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform this delicate salad into a complete, protein-packed meal that balances the dish's fresh ingredients.
• Finish with Sparkling Water: Cleanse the palate with a zesty lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water, cutting through the richness of the goat cheese and complementing the salad's bright flavors.

Pear and Arugula with Balsamic Dressing: Variations

• Autumn Harvest Blend: Replace pears with roasted butternut squash and add crispy bacon bits for a heartier, seasonal version.
• Mediterranean Medley: Swap goat cheese for crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and use lemon-infused olive oil in the dressing for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Protein Power Salad: Top with grilled chicken breast or seared salmon, and include quinoa for an extra protein boost and more substantial meal.
• Winter Citrus Edition: Incorporate blood orange segments instead of pears, use orange zest in the dressing, and substitute pecans with candied walnuts for a bright, zesty profile.

Pear And Arugula Delight With Balsamic Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pear and Arugula Delight brings Mediterranean elegance to your table with crisp arugula, sweet ripe pears, and tangy balsamic drizzle. Creamy goat cheese and toasted walnuts complete this sophisticated salad that offers fresh, balanced flavors in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (141 grams) arugula
• 3 pears, any variety
• 4 to 5 ounces (113 to 142 grams) goat cheese

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, toasted and cooled
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Transform raw red onions by immersing them in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharp flavor, then thoroughly drain and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Create a vibrant dressing by combining extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, sea salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper in a sealed mason jar, then vigorously shake until ingredients emulsify completely.
3. Select a wide, shallow serving platter and generously spread fresh, crisp arugula leaves as the foundational layer, ensuring complete coverage of the dish’s base.
4. Arrange thin, delicate slices of ripe pears atop the arugula, creating an elegant overlapping pattern, and distribute the softened onion rings evenly across the salad.
5. Enhance the salad’s texture and flavor profile by sprinkling crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans over the pears and onions.
6. Quickly re-shake the dressing to prevent ingredient separation, then delicately drizzle over the salad moments before serving to preserve the ingredients’ vibrant appearance and crisp texture.

Notes

• Soften raw onions by soaking them in ice water to reduce their sharp, pungent bite and create a milder, more pleasant flavor profile.
• Prepare the balsamic dressing by shaking ingredients in a mason jar, which ensures smooth blending and allows easy storage of any leftover dressing.
• Layer ingredients strategically, starting with peppery arugula as the base, then adding delicate pear slices for a sweet contrast and visual appeal.
• Enhance texture and taste by incorporating creamy goat cheese, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans for a multi-dimensional salad experience.
• Dress the salad sparingly right before serving to maintain the crisp texture of greens and prevent wilting or soggy ingredients.
• Customize the salad by adjusting ingredient quantities or substituting nuts and cheese based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg