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Fresh Pear and Arugula Salad with Balsamic
This elegant fall salad combines sweet, ripe pears with peppery arugula greens. Each serving offers the perfect balance of textures - crisp fruit, smooth cheese, and toasted nuts, all enhanced by a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that adds rich depth and tang.
This salad consistently impresses guests at dinner parties and family gatherings. The contrast between the sweet pears and peppery greens, along with the creamy goat cheese, creates an irresistible combination that encourages second helpings.
Key Ingredients
- Pears: Choose slightly firm but ripe
- Arugula: Fresh, crisp leaves
- Goat cheese: Soft, creamy variety
- Red onion: Fresh and firm
- Dried cranberries: Soft and plump
- Pecans: Fresh for toasting
- Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin
- Balsamic vinegar: Aged for best flavor
Preparation Steps
- Prepare Onions:
- Slice thinly and soak in ice water for 15 minutes. Drain well and dry thoroughly.
- Toast Pecans:
- Heat in single layer until fragrant and golden. Cool before chopping.
- Mix Dressing:
- Combine Dijon with balsamic, slowly whisk in oil. Season to taste.
- Prepare Pears:
- Slice thinly lengthwise, remove seeds. Brush with lemon juice if needed.
- Assemble Salad:
- Layer greens, arrange pears, add onions, sprinkle with nuts and cranberries, crumble cheese, dress just before serving.
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The sweet, juicy pears are truly the star of this salad. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, creating an appealing combination that even salad skeptics enjoy.
Seasonal Variations
While peak pear season is fall, this versatile salad adapts well year-round. Use peaches in summer, apples or citrus in winter, and fresh berries or figs in spring.
Advance Preparation
Streamline assembly with these prep steps:
- Toast and store nuts
- Prepare and chill dressing
- Clean and store greens
- Prep onions morning of serving
- Cut pears just before use
Professional Tips
- Check pear ripeness at stem end
- Make extra toasted nuts
- Keep prepared dressing on hand
- Let cheese reach room temperature
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This versatile salad has earned its place as a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions. Its simple elegance and adaptability make it a reliable choice that consistently draws praise and recipe requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the reason for soaking onions in ice water?
- It takes away the raw, strong punch of flavor while keeping their crispy bite.
- → Which pear variety works well?
- Any type is fine, but go for ones that are ripe yet still firm for a nice texture.
- → Is the dressing something I can prep in advance?
- Absolutely! Make it ahead and pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay good for a whole week.
- → Why layer the salad instead of tossing it?
- Layering makes the final presentation way prettier, but don’t worry—the dressing still gets to all parts.
- → Can I toast the pecans ahead of time?
- Sure thing! Just toast them, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for a few days.