This Arugula and Pear Salad is hearty enough to enjoy as an entree salad. Yet it's also easy to make and light enough to be a delicious side salad. With peppery arugula, juicy pears, crispy prosciutto, and crunchy almonds, topped with a light lemon vinaigrette dressing, this is the perfect salad to enjoy any night of the week!
I'll admit that for many years, I often overlooked salads as mere appetizers or side dishes. But as I've come to appreciate fresh fruits and fresh greens more in my life, salads have played a larger role in my regular dinner rotation. This Asian Carrot and Cucumber Salad is an easy crunchy salad that I make often since it goes with a lot of the Asian recipes we cook at home. This Thai Chicken Salad is a CPK copycat salad that is one of the most satisfying salads on the planet!
And this Arugula and Pear Salad recipe is definitely a hearty salad worthy of making often. I've made it several times since I first did the recipe testing for it, including bringing it for our Thanksgiving dinner holiday table!
This vibrant and refreshing dish brings together peppery arugula and sweet pears with a tasty, simple vinaigrette. It's great all year round, but it's really the perfect fall salad to make when pears are at their juiciest.
If you're ready to fall in love with a new healthy dish, let's dive in and show you how easy it is to make!
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🌟 Why this recipe works
So many reasons to love this pear arugula salad!
- Big flavor and textures - This delicious salad combines fresh arugula's bold, peppery taste, the savory saltiness of prosciutto, and the sweetness of pears. Every bite is a perfect mix of textures, with the crispy prosciutto, slightly soft, sweet juicy pears, crunchy almonds, and crisp fresh greens.
- Good and good for you - Arugula is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, while pears provide dietary fiber and antioxidants. This salad is not just delicious but also a nutrient-packed addition to help fuel your day.
- Quick and easy - With minimal ingredients and a simple dressing, this salad is a breeze to prepare. It's a great option for busy home cooks looking to whip up a nutritious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile - This simple arugula pear salad recipe is a versatile canvas for creativity. See my ingredient notes for delicious and easy substitutions and additions.
🛒 Ingredient notes
Salad ingredients:
- Arugula - Baby arugula works best in this salad. But you can also use a mix of arugula and baby spinach, or other mixed greens.
- Pears - I think the best pears to use in this salad are Bosc pears. But you can use a combination of pears, such as Asian pears or Bartlett pears.
- Prosciutto - Crispy prosciutto is a game
- Red onion - You'll want to slice the red onions into very thin small strips, which makes them easier to eat and lends just a hint of sharpness to each bite. You can also finely dice the red onion.
- Almonds - Sliced almonds add a tasty nutty crunch to this salad. You can substitute walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
- Feta cheese - If you're dairy-free like me, you can use your favorite dairy-free feta cheese. You can also use blue cheese instead of feta.
Salad dressing ingredients:
- Olive oil - Use your favorite extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing.
- Lemon - You'll need both lemon zest and lemon juice, which add acidity and bright citrus flavors.
- Honey - A little honey adds some sweetness to the salad dressing. You can substitute agave nectar or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Garlic - Make sure you finely mince the garlic or you can grate the garlic if you prefer. You just want to avoid large chunks of garlic in the salad dressing.
- Mustard - I find that Dijon mustard adds great flavor to the dressing. But you can use regular yellow mustard or even a bit of whole grain mustard.
- Rice wine vinegar - This adds a bit of a tang to the dressing. You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Salt and pepper - use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best results.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
The full list of ingredients and more detailed instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are some step-by-step photos to show you how to make this easy simple salad.
Start by making the salad dressing:
- Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a large bowl and whisk until combined.
2. Add arugula to a large salad serving bowl. Then pour the dressing over the salad.
3. Top the arugula leaves with the remaining ingredients. Toss together and serve immediately.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Toss the sliced pears in a bit of lemon juice to prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.
Consider adding goat cheese, candied walnuts, or sliced deviled egg for added flavor and texture.
While arugula is the star of this dish, you can experiment with spinach or mixed greens for a different flavor profile.
This salad, when tossed with the salad dressing, is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply toss the ingredients together and dress with the salad dressing.
🍽 Serving ideas
This is an amazing, satisfying salad as the main course! If serving it as an entree salad, consider serving it along with some Garlic Parmesan Knots or Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Or make it a Soup and Salad night and serve it with hot bowls of comforting Instant Pot Chicken Stew,
- Grilled Chicken Breast: The lean and savory profile of grilled chicken complements the freshness of the salad, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Salmon Fillets: The richness of salmon pairs wonderfully with the arugula and pear salad. The contrast of flavors adds a gourmet touch to your dinner table.
- Quinoa Pilaf: For a vegetarian option, serve the salad alongside a quinoa pilaf. The nuttiness of quinoa enhances the overall dining experience.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets add warmth and earthiness, providing a delightful contrast to the salad.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
I adore a crisp dry white wine with this salad!
- Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the peppery arugula and enhance the sweetness of the pears.
- Chardonnay - A lightly oaked Chardonnay brings a buttery texture that pairs well with the richness of a salmon main course.
But if you are in the mood for a red wine, reach for an Oregon Pinot Noir. The red fruit flavors, subtle earthy undertones, and gentle tannins of Pinot Noir are a great match for the salad. It's especially delicious when served with grilled chicken.
More salad recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Arugula Pear Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the salad
- 3 cups baby arugula
- 2-3 slices crispy prosciutto
- 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredents.
- Place the arugula into a large serving bowl, then top with the prosciutto, pear slices, almonds, red onions, and feta cheese. Toss with the dressing and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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