Name: Pear, Pecan & Baby Arugula Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups baby arugula, washed and dried; 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced; 1 cup pecans, toasted; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

A refreshing fall-inspired salad that combines the sweetness of ripe pears, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the peppery bite of fresh baby arugula. Perfect for cozy lunches, festive gatherings, or as a colorful starter, this salad balances textures and flavors for a truly satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups baby arugula, washed and dried
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1 cup pecans, toasted
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients
Thoroughly wash and dry the baby arugula. Thinly slice the pears, handling ripe ones gently to prevent bruising. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
Toast the Pecans
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced pears, red onion, and cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle in toasted pecans and crumbled cheese. Gently toss to mix evenly. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing lightly to coat.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer salad to individual plates or a serving platter. Garnish with a few whole toasted pecans and thin pear slices for visual appeal and extra texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pecans just before adding to the salad for maximum flavor.
Use firm yet ripe pears to maintain texture.
Adjust dressing ingredients to balance sweetness and acidity.
Serve immediately after tossing with dressing to preserve freshness.
Salad is versatile—swap fruits, nuts, or cheese based on preference and seasonal availability.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes