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Arugula and Pear Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: easy salad with arugula — Salads & sides recipe | AfoodrinkSalads & sides

Arugula and Pear Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A refreshing salad that brings together peppery arugula and sweet pears with a zesty dressing.

Total

15 min

Servings

4 servings

Level

Easy

Arugula, often overshadowed by more common greens, has a peppery flavor that adds a delightful kick to salads. This leafy green is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your diet.

In this recipe, we pair arugula with juicy pears and a bright lemon vinaigrette. The sweetness of the pears complements the spicy arugula, creating a balanced and refreshing dish. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner, this salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor.

Whether you're new to arugula or a long-time fan, this salad is a great way to enjoy its unique taste. Plus, with no cooking involved, it's a breeze to put together on busy days.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

8 items · 4 servings

  • 4 cups arugula
  • 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. Prepare the Arugula

    Rinse the arugula under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside in a large salad bowl.

  2. Slice the Pears

    Thinly slice the pears and add them to the bowl with the arugula. Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture.

  3. Toast the Walnuts

    In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool slightly.

  4. Make the Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  5. Assemble the Salad

    Add the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
  • If you don't have arugula, baby spinach or mixed greens can work as substitutes.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.

Cook's note

This salad is a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients and takes no time at all to prepare. It's perfect for any occasion.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese would also work well in this salad.

How do I keep the pears from browning?

You can toss the pear slices in a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Amount per serving

Calories91

% Daily Value*

Total Fat8.7 g
11%
Saturated Fat2.3 g
12%
Cholesterol8 mg
3%
Sodium105 mg
5%
Total Carbohydrate2.1 g
1%
Dietary Fiber0 g
0%
Total Sugars1.9 g
Protein1.3 g
3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.

05Keep cooking

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