DESCRIPTION OF AUTUMN PEAR & ARUGULA SALAD
This Autumn Pear & Arugula Salad captures the essence of fall with its vibrant flavours and textures. Featuring crisp arugula, sweet Bartlett pears, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a homemade honey vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Brunch
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 6
CUISINE
- European
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Fall, Thanksgiving, Party
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Cholesterol
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR AUTUMN PEAR & ARUGULA SALAD
- 6 cups arugula
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Bartlett pears (about 2 pears)
- 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Honey Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped shallots
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g
PREPARATION FOR AUTUMN PEAR & ARUGULA SALAD
- In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, chopped pears, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, chopped shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish with fresh thyme just before serving.
PREP TIME
- 15 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 0 minutes
TIPS FOR AUTUMN PEAR & ARUGULA SALAD
- For the best flavour, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavours to meld.
- If using frozen pears, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavour and add a delightful crunch.
VARIATIONS
- Substitute pears with apples for a different yet equally delicious flavour.
- Blue cheese can be used in place of goat cheese for a bolder taste.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a hearty main dish.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR AUTUMN PEAR & ARUGULA SALAD
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead by chopping the ingredients and storing them separately in the fridge. Mix just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Keep the dressing in a separate container in the fridge and use within 3-4 days for best quality.
This Autumn Pear & Arugula Salad not only pleases the palate with its mix of sweet and savoury notes but also provides a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any autumn gathering. Enjoy this delightful salad that brings together the best flavours of the season!