Arugula and Pear Bowl

This Arugula and Pear Bowl is a vibrant salad that brings together a delightful combination of peppery greens, sweet fruit, and savory toppings. It is a Modern European inspired dish that works perfectly as a refreshing starter or a sophisticated light main course.

Pin it

What makes this salad truly stand out is the contrast between the tender, thinly sliced pears and the crunch of toasted walnuts. With a simple yet flavorful balsamic dressing, every ingredient is allowed to shine in this elegant bowl.

Ingredients

• Greens: 120 g (4 cups) fresh arugula
• Fruit: 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• Cheese: 60 g (2 oz) crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
• Nuts: 50 g (½ cup) toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

2

Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.

3

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

4

Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large salad bowl for tossing and a whisk for the dressing. Preparation is straightforward and only takes about 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute blue cheese with feta for a milder flavor or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version. Adding pomegranate seeds is a wonderful way to introduce extra color and a burst of tartness to the dish.

Serviervorschläge

This Arugula and Pear Bowl pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. Serve immediately after adding the dressing to maintain the freshness and crisp texture of the arugula.

Pin it

Enjoy this fresh, healthy, and easy-to-make salad that brings a touch of modern sophistication to any meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and slice ingredients up to 4 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and toss just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What cheese works best in this salad?

Blue cheese and goat cheese both provide excellent creamy contrast. Feta offers a lighter, tangier option while still complementing the sweet pears beautifully.

→ How do I prevent pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears with a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural preservative keeps them fresh and prevents oxidation for several hours.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or even sliced almonds work wonderfully. Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds that essential crunch to the salad.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Keep components separated in airtight containers. The arugula stays fresh for 2-3 days while dressed ingredients should be consumed within 24 hours for best texture.

→ What dressing alternatives can I use?

A lemon-olive oil vinaigrette offers brightness, while a maple-mustard dressing provides deeper sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the pears.