Arugula and Pear Bowl

This Arugula and Pear Bowl is a vibrant salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts. It is a refreshing dish that works perfectly as a sophisticated starter or a light main course, capturing the essence of Modern European cuisine.

Save

The combination of fresh greens and fruit creates a light yet satisfying experience. With simple ingredients and no cooking time required, it is an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a dinner party appetizer.

Ingredients

• 120 g (4 cups) fresh arugula
• 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 60 g (2 oz) crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
• 50 g (½ cup) toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 2

Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.

Step 3

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Step 4

Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large salad bowl for assembly and a whisk to properly emulsify the dressing. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for slicing the pears thinly and chopping the nuts.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute blue cheese with feta for a milder taste or omit it for a dairy-free version. For a burst of extra color and flavor, try adding pomegranate seeds to the mix.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. Serve it immediately after tossing to maintain the crisp texture of the arugula and the crunch of the toasted walnuts.

Save

Each serving provides 210 calories, 15g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein. Please be aware that this dish contains dairy and tree nuts; for allergies, omit the cheese or nuts and always double-check ingredient labels.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and wash the arugula in advance, but toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens crisp and pears from browning.

→ What cheese works best?

Blue cheese adds bold flavor, while goat cheese offers a milder tang. Feta works well too, or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

→ How do I prevent pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears in a little lemon juice immediately after cutting. The acidity slows oxidation while complementing the other flavors.

→ Can I use other nuts?

Toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds all work beautifully. Choose nuts that complement the sweetness of the pears and creaminess of the cheese.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Grilled chicken, sliced prosciutto, or candied walnuts boost protein while maintaining the elegant flavor profile.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Store components separately: dressing in a jar, nuts in a sealed container, and pears tossed with lemon juice. Assemble just before eating for best results.