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Looking for a refreshing, elegant, and delicious salad that impresses with both flavor and presentation? This Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette hits all the right notes. With the peppery bite of fresh arugula, the sweetness of ripe pears, the creamy richness of Gorgonzola cheese, and the crunchy sweetness of candied pecans, this salad balances flavor and texture effortlessly. Topped with a light Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette, it’s a delightful starter or side dish for any meal, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a quiet evening.
Ingredients for Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
For the Salad:
• 4 cups fresh arugula
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup candied pecans
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions for Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and well combined. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, gently toss the fresh arugula, sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola, and candied pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the pears or wilting the arugula.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Top the salad with the thinly sliced red onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: None
• Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per Serving
• 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings
Tips for Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
• Pear Selection: Opt for ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou to prevent them from becoming too soft in the salad.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Toss it with the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Cheese Alternatives: If Gorgonzola is too strong, swap it out for blue cheese, goat cheese, or even feta for a different flavor profile.
• Candied Pecans: You can either buy store-bought candied pecans or make your own by coating pecans in sugar and lightly toasting them in a pan.
Benefits of Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola
• Rich in Nutrients: Arugula is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, while pears provide dietary fiber and antioxidants.
• Heart Health: Gorgonzola, while rich in flavor, is also known to contain probiotics that support digestion, and the healthy fats in the olive oil vinaigrette contribute to heart health.
• Energy Boost: The combination of protein from the cheese, healthy fats from the pecans and olive oil, and natural sugars from the pears make this salad a well-balanced, energy-boosting dish.
• Great for Entertaining: This elegant salad is simple to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to serve at special occasions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another green instead of arugula?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute arugula with other greens like baby spinach, mixed greens, or even romaine. However, the peppery flavor of arugula adds a unique dimension to the salad.
Q: What’s a good alternative to pears in this salad?
A: Apples work beautifully in this salad as an alternative to pears. Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji are excellent substitutes and add a nice crunch.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes! You can replace the Gorgonzola with a vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Swap the honey in the vinaigrette with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
Q: How do I prevent the pears from browning?
A: To keep the pears looking fresh and vibrant, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will slow down the oxidation process.
Conclusion
This Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette offers an exceptional balance of flavors, combining sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements in every bite. Perfect for light lunches, elegant dinner parties, or even holiday gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious and full of contrasting textures and flavors. Enjoy the freshness of the ingredients, the richness of the Gorgonzola, and the sweetness of the candied pecans, all brought together with a zesty Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette. A guaranteed hit on any table!
