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Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is an elegant autumn dish with a stunning presentation. Sweet pears, peppery arugula, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts create perfect flavors!
Ingredients
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:
- ⅓ 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
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Pear Salad Ingredients:
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz arugula
- 3 pears, any variety
- 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled
Instructions
- (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.
- In a mason jar, combine all of the salad dressing ingredients and shake until well combined.
- In a large shallow salad serving bowl, add your arugula greens. Top with pears and onions.
- Sprinkle on goat cheese, cranberries, and nuts.
- 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.
Notes
Variations: You can swap the pears for crisp apples, use pomegranate arils instead of dried cranberries, or substitute feta or gorgonzola for goat cheese. Walnuts, almonds, or candied pecans also work well.
Nutrition Facts
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Serving Size
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
339
% Daily Value*
Fat
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
13
g
Cholesterol
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
198
mg
9
%
Potassium
181
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
34
g
11
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
25
g
28
%
Protein
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
224
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
49
mg
5
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.