Description
Seasonal arugula and orchard fruit salad blends peppery greens with sweet, ripe fruits. Crisp apple, juicy pear, and tangy goat cheese create a perfect balance of flavors for fresh summer dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 oz (142 g) arugula
- 1 pear, cored and sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (60 g) cashews, toasted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Base: Layer fresh arugula leaves in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant green foundation.
- Incorporate Fruits: Slice pear and apple into delicate, uniform wedges, distributing them evenly across the arugula landscape.
- Toast Cashews: Spread whole cashews on a parchment-lined baking sheet, roasting at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden brown, stirring periodically to ensure even toasting.
- Create Vinaigrette: Whisk balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl until seamlessly blended and smooth.
- Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle dried cranberries over the salad, drizzle with prepared vinaigrette, and top with a combination of chopped and whole toasted cashews, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch cashews closely while roasting to prevent burning, aiming for a perfect golden-brown color without scorching.
- Slice Fruits Uniformly: Cut pear and apple into thin, consistent wedges for balanced texture and professional presentation in each bite.
- Dress Strategically: Drizzle vinaigrette sparingly and evenly to enhance flavors without overwhelming the delicate arugula and fruit components.
- Garnish with Purpose: Combine both whole and chopped cashews to create interesting textural layers and visual appeal across the salad surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg