Arugula Pear Salad with Candied Pecans
Arugula Pear Salad with Candied Pecans is a vibrant and flavorful dish that elevates any meal. This refreshing salad features peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, and crunchy candied pecans, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or as an elegant side, this salad will impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delightful taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh arugula
- 2 medium ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), sliced
- 1 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, combine 1 cup of pecans with 1/4 cup sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until caramelized.
- Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Slice the pears into thin, uniform slices while keeping the skin on.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together arugula, pear slices, candied pecans, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute feta with goat cheese or add dried cranberries for extra sweetness. To enhance crunch, toast the pecans slightly longer but monitor them closely to avoid burning.