Pear and Arugula Salad with Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

This Pear and Arugula Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a refreshing and elegant dish perfect for any season. The peppery arugula pairs beautifully with sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together by a bright honey vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 6 cups arugula
• 1 ½ cups Bartlett pears, chopped (about 2 pears)
• ⅓ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• For the Honey Vinaigrette:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, chopped shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine arugula, chopped pears, goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh thyme.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• If Bartlett pears are unavailable, replace with Bosc or Anjou pears for similar sweetness and texture.
• Add a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a tart contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, bring to room temperature and toss again before serving, although this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, the honey vinaigrette can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk well before using.

Can I use another type of greens instead of arugula?

Absolutely. Spinach or mixed salad greens work well as alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor.

Pear and Arugula Salad with Honey Vinaigrette Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 265 reviews

A refreshing and light Pear and Arugula Salad tossed with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme, all brought together by a sweet and tangy honey vinaigrette. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or as a side dish to elevate any meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 6 cups arugula
• 1 ½ cups Bartlett pears, chopped (about 2 pears)
• ⅓ cup goat cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Honey Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, chopped shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, chopped Bartlett pears, goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh thyme.
3. Toss and Adjust: Drizzle the prepared honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a bowl and enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors.

Notes

• For added crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted in a pinch.
• This salad is best served immediately to keep the arugula crisp.
• To make the vinaigrette ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and whisk before use.

Keywords: pear salad, arugula salad, goat cheese, honey vinaigrette, healthy salad, easy lunch, vegetarian salad