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Arugula Salad with Pear, Feta & Walnuts Recipe

Arugula Salad with Pear, Feta & Walnuts Recipe

4.9 from 15 reviews

A fresh and vibrant arugula salad featuring sweet pear slices, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, dressed with a simple lemon-honey vinaigrette. This salad makes a perfect light starter or a nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
  • 80g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, lightly toasted

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula as the base of the salad.
  2. Add the pear slices: Arrange the thinly sliced ripe pear evenly over the arugula to distribute sweetness throughout the salad.
  3. Top with feta and walnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and lightly toasted walnuts on top to add creamy texture and crunch.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced, tangy-sweet dressing.
  5. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
  6. Combine gently: Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the arugula leaves.
  7. Add optional garnish: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for a festive burst of color and flavor.
  8. Serve immediately: Serve the salad right away as a fresh, light starter or a healthy side dish to your meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe pears for the best flavor and texture.
  • Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
  • Adjust honey quantity to taste for the dressing based on the sweetness of your pears.
  • For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • This salad is best served immediately to prevent the arugula and pear from wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: arugula salad, pear salad, feta cheese, walnuts, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, quick salad recipe