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Close up of white plate with arugula pear salad being dressed with vinaigrette in a jar.

Pear Arugula Salad

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This simple salad is flavorful and vibrant, with a delicious combination of arugula, sweet juicy pears, dried fruit and almonds. It's a great option for fall gatherings and holiday tables. The honey mustard salad dressing is amazing on its own. 

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 side servings

Ingredients

Units

For the salad:

  • 3 cups arugula (rocket), washed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion or shallots
  • 1 pear (I used Bartlett)
  • 2 medjool dates, chopped into little pieces
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons chopped almonds

For the vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup oil (extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

For the vinaigrette:

  1. I suggest using a blender (a glass jar is better so the oil and mustard doesn't permeate the plastic) or an immersion blender as this dressing/vinaigrette separates after a while.
  2. In a jar with lid or bowl, mix vinegar, mustard, honey and some salt.
  3. Slowly add oil while mixing well.
  4. Add pepper and check seasoning.
  5. Refrigerate while you prepare salad. Or if you make a large quantity.

For the salad:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F /180°C.
  2. Brush a baking pan with oil or butter.
  3. Cut pear in half and scoop out the centres.
  4. Cut each half into wedges.
  5. Bake half of the pieces for about 10 minutes, until they soften up but still retain the shape. (Alternatively, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium skillet and cook half the wedges until beginning to brown). Reserve.
  6. In a bowl dress arugula with three tablespoons of vinaigrette.
  7. Mound arugula on center of platter or individual plates.
  8. Scatter shallots or onion on top.
  9. Add half the raw and half of the baked pear wedges.
  10. Scatter half the chopped dates, cranberries, and almonds on top of the arugula.
  11. Repeat with remaining ingredients in same order.
  12. Drizzle a few tablespoons of vinaigrette and serve with extra dressing on the side.

Notes

  • Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, equipment, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
  • When to dress it: arugula can wilt pretty quickly, so I suggest you add the dressing just before you take it to the table.
  • Make ahead: the dressing can be made up to 2 weeks before, and the cooked pears can be made a day in advance. Keep both refrigerated and covered.
  • Double or triple the recipe for a large crowd. 
  • Dressing: it separates after a while, so you might consider blending it right before serving.
  • Variations and substitutions: see the post above. 
  • Author: Paula Montenegro
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: Baking + Mixing
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4
  • Calories: 317
  • Sugar: 21.2 g
  • Sodium: 296.6 mg
  • Fat: 23.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27.5 g
  • Fiber: 4.1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg