Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that dances on your taste buds - welcome to the world of Arugula Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Pecans! This isn't just another boring leafy green ensemble, but a gourmet adventure that combines peppery arugula, sweet juicy pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans in a balsamic embrace that will make your mouth water and your dinner guests marvel at your cooking skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the arugula thoroughly and spinning or patting dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning. Cut them into thin, elegant slices, removing the core.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Mix until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, gently place the arugula leaves as the base of the salad.
- Arrange the sliced pears artfully over the arugula leaves.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly across the salad.
- Scatter the toasted pecans over the top of the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp arugula, sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy pecans at their freshest.
Tips
- Always toast pecans just before adding to the salad to maximize their nutty flavor and crisp texture.
- Slice pears immediately before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for the most robust flavor profile.
- Whisk your vinaigrette thoroughly to ensure perfect emulsification.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep the arugula crisp and prevent wilting.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a mandoline to slice pears into uniform, thin pieces.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep ingredients separate and assemble just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 319kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
