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–+ servings
overhead view of pear and arugula salad with dressing.

Easy Pear Arugula Salad (Goat Cheese & Vinaigrette)

Mallory
This Pear Arugula Salad with a simple dressing is a delicious salad for any time of year, but it's especially perfect for the holiday table! The sweetness of the pears coupled with peppery arugula and topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts takes this from a simple salad to unbeatable.
5 from 2 votes
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Course appetizers and side dishes, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

For Salad

  • 5 cups baby arugula (5 oz)
  • 2 small pears or 1 large (I use Bartletts)
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • ½ cup goat cheese (~2.5 oz)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoon mint leaves
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice

For Maple Balsamic Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Prep your ingredients by slicing the pears into thin pieces. Chop the fresh mint and walnuts. Remove pomegranate seeds.
  • Make the Maple Balsamic Dressing by whisking the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shaking them in a mason jar. 
  • In a large bowl or your favorite serving bowl, arrange the arugula. Top the bed of arugula with pear slices, pomegranate arils, walnuts, goat cheese and mint. Add a squeeze of lemon over everything.
  • Drizzle the dressing on top right before serving.
  • Hint: Slice the pear slices right before making the salad because they will brown quickly. If serving for a gathering, serve it on platter and arrange the pears in clusters of 3-4.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips
  • You can tell if a pear is ripe by giving it a gentle squeeze at the neck near the stem. If it gives a bit, it's ripe!
  • To ensure they maintain their color, slice the pears right before making the salad because they brown pretty quickly.
  • Wait to add a drizzle of dressing until just before serving. Add about half the dressing and serve the rest on the side to give your guests the freedom to add their desired amount.
  • I suggest using baby arugula. Baby arugula is harvested while it is young and it's more mild in flavor. Mature arugula is almost too fierce of a flavor to eat raw while baby arugula has a pleasant peppery taste. 
Meal Prep & Storage
  • Meal Prep - make your dressing ahead of time so it's ready to go when you want to assemble the salad.
  • Storage - store leftovers of this Pear Arugula salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. I suggest storing the salad ingredients separately from the dressing so the salad doesn't get soggy. The dressing will stay good in the fridge for up to 10-14 days.
Dietitian Tip
While healthy means something different to everyone, this Pear Arugula Salad in a nutrient-rich option. Pears contain several important nutrients including dietary fiber for gut health and several vitamins and minerals - vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants to name a few. Arugula is a low-calorie food that provides vitamin K, iron, and dietary fiber. This recipe also contains important nutrients for brain health and heart-healthy fatty acids from the olive oil in the dressing and protein from the goat cheese and walnuts. 
For more nutrition information and tips, visit mallorythedietitian.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 😊
Keyword 10 minutes or less, gluten free, plant-based
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