Save The Arugula and Pear Bowl is a vibrant salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts. This Modern European dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, serving as a refreshing starter or a light vegetarian main that is completely gluten-free.
Save With a yield of four servings, this salad is ideal for sharing at a brunch or as a side for a dinner party. Its simple assembly makes it an easy choice for busy days without compromising on taste.
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
- Step 1
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 2
- Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.
- Step 3
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Step 4
- Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use a whisk and a small mixing bowl to ensure the dressing is well emulsified before adding it to the greens. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for achieving the thinly sliced pears that give this salad its elegant look. Note that this dish contains dairy and tree nuts.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute blue cheese with feta for a different flavor profile, or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version. You can also try adding pomegranate seeds for extra color and a burst of tart flavor.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For the best experience, ensure all ingredients are tossed just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and the pears fresh.
Save The Arugula and Pear Bowl is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create a truly refreshing and gourmet meal in minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated. However, assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of arugula and prevent pears from oxidizing.
- → What other fruits work well in this bowl?
Fresh apples, sliced figs, or segmented pears make excellent alternatives. Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds add tart sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the dish.
- → How do I keep pears from turning brown?
Toss sliced pears with a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural acidity prevents oxidation while complementing the overall flavor profile.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a savory element. Avocado cubes add creamy texture without dairy, while toasted nuts provide protein and richness.
- → What's the best way to toast the nuts?
Spread walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- → Can I substitute the arugula?
Baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or watercress work well. For a more peppery bite, try combining arugula with radicchio or frisée for added texture and bitterness.