Arugula Pear Salad with Goat Cheese
User Reviews
5
Arugula Pear Salad with Goat Cheese
Description
Arugula Pear Salad with Goat Cheese brings together a mix of flavors and textures highlighted by fresh arugula and juicy pear. The salad includes tart dried cranberries, rich goat cheese that is split between the dressing and salad topping, crunchy pecans, and sharp slices of red onion. The dressing blends olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, sweetened goat cheese, oregano, and dried minced onion to create a complex yet mellow coating for the greens and fruit.
The peppery bite of the arugula contrasts nicely with the sweetness from the pears and cranberries, while the tangy goat cheese adds creaminess. Toasted pecans provide a nutty crunch. This salad works well as a starter or side dish, bringing a sophisticated note to a meal. Dipping the pear slices in lemon juice before assembling helps prevent browning.
A note about presentation: extras such as kumquat garnish can add color but are optional. Adjust dressing sweetness and seasoning to taste before tossing the salad for optimal balance.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon goat cheese sweetened
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion dried minced
- salt to taste
Salad:
- 6 cups arugula
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 ounces goat cheese less 1 teaspoon (see above, sweetened
- ¼ cup pecans or other nuts, toasted if you wish, whole
- 2 pear or 1 very large pear
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine dressing ingredients and whisk together. Taste to adjust honey and salt.
- Slice the pears. Dip in lemon juice if desired to avoid browning.
- Toss or drizzle the arugula with the salad dressing, then spread on a large salad plate. Top with remaining ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 253 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 253kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 68mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 281mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 899IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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