Imagine a salad so breathtakingly simple yet incredibly elegant that it turns an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. This Arugula Salad with Pears is not just a dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the peppery bite of fresh arugula, the sweet crunch of ripe pears, and the rich, nutty flavor of toasted walnuts. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy salad that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the arugula leaves thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Wash the pears and slice them thinly, removing the core and stem. For best presentation, slice pears just before serving to prevent browning.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the fresh arugula leaves as a base layer, creating an even, light green bed.
- Arrange the sliced pears gently on top of the arugula, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad, ensuring a balanced distribution of nuts.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, allowing small chunks to fall naturally on the pears and arugula.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad, using a light hand to prevent oversaturation.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the salad just before serving to mix the ingredients without bruising the delicate arugula leaves.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp arugula with bright green leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast walnuts carefully—they can burn quickly, so stir constantly and watch closely.
- Slice pears just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra freshness, chill your salad bowl before preparing to keep ingredients crisp.
- If you prefer, you can substitute feta with goat cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after dressing to prevent the arugula from wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: mg
