Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese
Fall is here, and it’s time to bring those seasonal flavors to your table with an easy and delicious Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese!
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Fall is here, and it’s time to bring those seasonal flavors to your table with an easy and delicious Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese!
This salad brings together a perfect mix of peppery arugula, sweet and juicy pears, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a bit of tang from the homemade dressing. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures, making it an ideal healthy lunch, dinner, or even a hearty fall side dish. Whether you’re in need of a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side for your next gathering, this salad checks all the boxes.
The best part about this salad is that it takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with minimal cleanup required. The fresh, crisp ingredients make it feel fancy enough for a dinner party, but it’s simple enough to whip up on any busy weeknight. So, grab your arugula and let’s dive into this tasty fall salad recipe!
What is Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese?
Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese is a refreshing, fall-inspired salad featuring a delightful combination of peppery arugula, sweet pears, and creamy goat cheese. The salad is elevated with the addition of thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts for crunch, and a mix of goat cheese and blue cheese to give it that irresistible tangy kick. It’s all tied together with a zesty homemade dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
What Makes This Arugula Salad Recipe Healthy?
This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients! Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that’s high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. The pears add natural sweetness and provide fiber for digestive health, while the walnuts bring a dose of healthy fats and plant-based protein. The homemade dressing avoids the unnecessary preservatives and added sugars found in store-bought versions, keeping it as wholesome as it is delicious.
RELATED: Roasted Pear Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese and Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette – the perfect blend of juicy, roasted pears with a touch of caramelization, crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, and tangy lemon dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad is here to deliver.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Arugula Salad with Pears Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of pears, creaminess of goat cheese, and the peppery bite of arugula come together beautifully.
- Ideal for any meal: Great as a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful fall side dish.
- Seasonal ingredients: Takes advantage of fresh fall produce for a taste of the season.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extras like dried cranberries or crispy bacon to make it your own.
What Tools Do You Need to Make This Pear Salad?
You won’t need much to whip up this delicious salad! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blender or food processor for the dressing
- Sharp knife for slicing the pears and red onion
- Cutting board for prepping the ingredients
- Salad bowl or serving platter for arranging the salad
- Measuring cups and spoons to get the dressing just right
Ingredients you’ll need
For the Arugula salad
- 5 ounces prewashed arugula
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, cored and cut into ¼-inch slices
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts
- 2 ounces of soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 ounces of blue cheese, crumbled
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (about 1 small shallot)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
How to Make This Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Make the dressing: In a blender, combine the shallot, garlic, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Place the arugula on a large serving platter or bowl. Layer the sliced red onion, pear slices, toasted walnuts, and both types of cheese on top of the greens.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve with extra dressing on the side for those who like a little extra zing.
Make this Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese Recipe, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Grilled Peach Summer Salad with Arugula, Mint and Pistachios and more of my winter salad dressing recipes.
Tips and frequently asked questions about this Arugula Salad Recipe
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or even shaved Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can use other nuts like pecans or almonds, or skip the nuts altogether if there are allergy concerns.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup and omit the cheeses. You can add avocado for creaminess instead.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
How do I Store Leftovers of Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the arugula from getting soggy. When ready to eat, give the salad a gentle toss and add the dressing right before serving.
This Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese is a deliciously hearty fall side dish that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful. With a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a festive gathering. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated salad!
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Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (about 1 small shallot)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces prewashed arugula
- ⅓ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 pear (cored and cut into ¼-inch slices)
- ⅓ cup toasted walnuts
- 2 ounces of soft goat cheese (crumbled)
- 2 ounces of blue cheese (crumbled)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a blender, add the shallot, garlic, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Process until smooth.
- Arrange the arugula on a serving platter. Layer the red onion, pear slices, walnuts, and both types of cheese on top.
- Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve with extra dressing on the side, if desired.
