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Asiago Arugula Pear Salad

Beautiful and simple arugula pear salad with savory asiago cheese, almonds, creamy avocado, and a light white balsamic vinaigrette. This fresh arugula salad has delicious bites of sweet, salty, zippy flavor and tons of wonderful textures for an easy holiday side dish or weekday lunch! Enjoy as is or pair with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 406 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Lunch
Cuisine: American , Vegan

Ingredients

  • For the dressing:
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (or cane sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • FOR THE SALAD:
  • 6 to 8 cups baby arugula
  • 1 to 2 Asian pears, cut into matchsticks
  • ⅓ cup toasted sliced or slivered almonds
  • ½ cup shaved asiago or manchego cheese (about 1.5 ounces)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 5 leaves fresh basil, julienned

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or a small bowl: olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Shake in the jar or whisk well in the bowl to emulsify.
  2. Wait to dress the salad until ready to serve. Add the arugula and pear to a large bowl and add in half of the dressing. Using tongs, gently toss the salad until the greens are well coated.
  3. Add the toppings: If serving immediately, transfer the salad to a serving platter, if desired, then top with the toasted almonds, asiago cheese, avocado slices, and fresh basil. Drizzle the salad with the extra reserved dressing, or allow guests to drizzle a little extra on themselves. Season with a little salt and pepper, to taste. Salad is best enjoyed immediately due to the fresh ingredients. Serves 4 as a main, 6 as a side.

Notes

  • See the full post for easy ways to customize this salad!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (based on 4) Calories 406cal (20%) Carbohydrates 16.3g (5%) Protein 9.7g (19%) Fat 35.7g (55%) Saturated Fat 7.8g (39%) Fiber 5.3g (21%) Sugar 7.6g (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 406

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (based on 4)
Calories 406cal 20%
Carbohydrates 16.3g 5%
Protein 9.7g 19%
Fat 35.7g 55%
Saturated Fat 7.8g 39%
Fiber 5.3g 21%
Sugar 7.6g 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.