Description
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it an ideal dish for autumn gatherings. This vibrant salad features juicy pears, peppery arugula, tangy cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Its colorful presentation and harmonious taste make it perfect for any occasion—whether as a light lunch or an elegant side dish for festive meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy choice packed with nutrients. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this refreshing seasonal salad today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe pears (any variety)
- 5 oz arugula
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Drain and pat dry.
- In a mason jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
- In a large salad bowl, layer arugula as the base. Top with sliced pears and drained onions.
- Sprinkle goat cheese over the salad followed by cranberries and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad portion (approximately 225g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg