Description
Indulge in the flavors of autumn with this delightful Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. This elegant dish combines sweet, juicy pears with tangy cranberries and peppery arugula, topped off with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish for any occasion, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. The quick preparation time—just 15 minutes—makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Impress your guests and elevate your meals with this fresh and flavorful salad that balances sweetness and savory notes beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe pears
- 5 ounces arugula
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 4 to 5 ounces goat cheese
- ½ cup pecans, toasted
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Soak thinly sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes (optional).
- In a mason jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, layer arugula as the base. Top with sliced pears and onions.
- Sprinkle goat cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans over the salad.
- Drizzle vinaigrette just before serving for an eye-catching presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg