Description
The “Pear and Arugula Delight with Balsamic Dressing” is a culinary fusion that tantalizes the taste buds with its blend of flavors and textures. This salad expertly combines the sweetness of pears, the tang of goat cheese, the crunchiness of pecans, and the zesty kick of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a vibrant starter or a light, nourishing meal, this recipe embodies the essence of gourmet simplicity.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz arugula
- 3 pears, any variety
- 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Onions
(Optional) Soak the onions in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to lessen their harshness. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Dressing
Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper into a mason jar. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large, shallow serving bowl, spread the arugula as the base. Layer the thinly sliced pears and soaked onions evenly over the greens.
4. Add Toppings
Gently sprinkle the goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans over the pears and onions.
5. Dress the Salad
Shake the dressing again if separation occurs, and drizzle it sparingly across the salad just before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
The “Pear and Arugula Delight” comfortably serves 4 to 6 people as a starter or 3 to 4 people as a main dish. Total preparation time should not exceed 30 minutes, provided that the pecans are toasted in advance.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Salad is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep leftover dressing in the mason jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before use.
- Do Not Reheat: This salad is not suitable for reheating due to its fresh ingredients and delicate assembly.
Conclusion
The “Pear and Arugula Delight with Balsamic Dressing” stands out as a testament to the beauty of combining simple, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just making a quick, nutritious meal, this salad promises to be both refreshingly flavorful and visually appealing, making it an all-around winner on any table.
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Pear and Arugula Delight with Balsamic Dressing
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
The “Pear and Arugula Delight with Balsamic Dressing” is a culinary fusion that tantalizes the taste buds with its blend of flavors and textures. This salad expertly combines the sweetness of pears, the tang of goat cheese, the crunchiness of pecans, and the zesty kick of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a vibrant starter or a light, nourishing meal, this recipe embodies the essence of gourmet simplicity.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz arugula
- 3 pears, any variety
- 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions (Optional) Soak the onions in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to lessen their harshness. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Dressing Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper into a mason jar. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended.
- Assemble the Salad In a large, shallow serving bowl, spread the arugula as the base. Layer the thinly sliced pears and soaked onions evenly over the greens.
- Add Toppings Gently sprinkle the goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans over the pears and onions.
- Dress the Salad Shake the dressing again if separation occurs, and drizzle it sparingly across the salad just before serving.