Arugula and Pear Bowl

This Arugula and Pear Bowl is a vibrant salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts—perfect as a refreshing starter or light main for a Modern European meal.

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The balance of textures from the creamy blue cheese and the toasted walnuts makes every bite of this bowl satisfying and fresh.

Ingredients

• Greens: 120 g (4 cups) fresh arugula
• Fruit: 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• Cheese: 60 g (2 oz) crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
• Nuts: 50 g (½ cup) toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.

Step 3: Dress

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this recipe efficiently, ensure you have a large salad bowl for assembly and a small mixing bowl with a whisk for the dressing. Use a sharp knife and cutting board for precise slicing of the pears.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a different flavor profile, substitute blue cheese with feta or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version. You can also add pomegranate seeds to provide extra color and a burst of tartness.

Serviervorschläge

This refreshing salad pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, enhancing the fruit notes of the pears.

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Whether served as a quick lunch or an elegant starter, this Arugula and Pear Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a stunning dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and ingredients separately in advance. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and pears from oxidizing.

→ What cheese works best in this bowl?

Blue cheese and goat cheese both provide creamy, tangy notes that complement the sweet pears. Feta offers a saltier alternative, while omitting cheese keeps it dairy-free.

→ How do I prevent pears from turning brown?

Slice the pears immediately before serving. If preparing ahead, toss slices in a little lemon juice to slow oxidation. The balsamic dressing also helps disguise any slight browning.

→ Can I use other nuts?

Toasted pecans work beautifully, offering a buttery sweetness. Try hazelnuts for earthiness or almonds for crunch. For nut allergies, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds provide similar texture.

→ What dressing alternatives work well?

A lemon-olive oil vinaigrette keeps it light and bright. Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness profile. For extra creaminess, try adding a teaspoon of whole grain mustard.

→ How can I make this more substantial?

Add grilled chicken, poached salmon, or chickpeas for protein. Quinoa or farro would make it a hearty grain bowl. Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.