Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Pear and Arugula Salad featuring crisp Bartlett pears, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh thyme, all tossed in a zesty honey vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant side dish, this salad delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups arugula
- 1 ½ cups Bartlett pears, chopped (about 2 pears)
- ⅓ cup goat cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Honey Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, chopped shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, chopped Bartlett pears, goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh thyme.
- Toss and Adjust: Drizzle the honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately and enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe but firm Bartlett pears to ensure they hold their texture in the salad.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta or blue cheese for variation.
- The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days; whisk again before use.
- Feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries or sliced apples for extra sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pear and Arugula Salad, Honey Vinaigrette, Fall Salad, Healthy Salad, Goat Cheese Salad, Walnut Salad, No Cook Salad, Light Lunch
