Description
This Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans all tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Units
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Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/3 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
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Pear Salad:
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz arugula
- 3 pears, any variety
- 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and cooled
Instructions
- Soak the onions: (Optional) Soak the onions in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to remove some of their harsh flavors. Drain well, and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the dressing: In a mason jar, combine all of the salad ingredients and shake until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large shallow salad serving bowl, add your arugula greens. Top with pears and onions. Sprinkle on goat cheese, cranberries, and nuts.
- Add the dressing: Shake your dressing again if it has separated and drizzle it over the salad just before serving. You can serve with or without tossing; it’s prettier if you don’t toss it, and don’t worry, the dressing will work its way down to the greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
