Pear and Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

This Pear and Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients that elevate the simple salad to gourmet status. Sweet, ripe pears and tangy crumbled goat cheese are balanced by the peppery bite of arugula, while crunchy, sugar-coated walnuts add a satisfying texture. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze ties all the flavors together, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is easy to prepare and elegant enough for any occasion, making it a true crowd-pleaser

Ingredients for Pear and Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

• Fresh arugula: Peppery and crisp, providing a fresh, bold base for the salad.
• Ripe pears: Sweet and juicy, adding a refreshing contrast to the peppery arugula.
• Walnuts (toasted with sugar): Crunchy and sweet, giving the salad a delightful texture and a hint of caramelized flavor.
• Crumbled goat cheese: Tangy and creamy, balancing the sweetness of the pears and walnuts with a rich flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory and nutty, adding depth and umami to the salad.
• Red onion (optional): Adds a sharp, zesty bite, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, providing a rich, healthy fat to tie all the flavors together.
• Salt and black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the salad ingredients.
• Balsamic glaze: Sweet and tangy, offering a luxurious finishing touch to the dish.

How to Make Pear and Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

1. Toast the Sugared Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the walnuts, stirring until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. For serving, drizzle balsamic glaze directly over the salad just before tossing.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the arugula. Arrange the pear slices on top, followed by the toasted sugared walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the salad and gently toss to combine. Once tossed, drizzle the balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
5. Serve: Divide the salad onto plates and serve immediately for a fresh and sophisticated meal.
6. Dobar tek!

What to Serve with Pear and Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

• Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti
• French Onion Hot Dogs

• Lamb Skewers

• Cacio e Pepe Pasta 

• Best Tomato Pasta Sauce

• Easy Herb Roasted Chicken

• One-pan Chicken and Rice Casserole

Recipe Variations

• Apple and Arugula Salad: Swap the pears for thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) for a crisp, tangy twist on the original recipe.
• Feta and Pomegranate Salad: Replace the goat cheese with crumbled feta and add pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of sweetness and color.
• Blue Cheese and Fig Salad: Substitute the goat cheese with blue cheese, and add dried figs for a rich, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the candied walnuts.
• Berry Arugula Salad: Add fresh berries like blackberries or strawberries to the salad for a sweet, juicy addition that complements the other ingredients.
• Grilled Pear and Arugula Salad: For an extra layer of flavor, grill the pear slices before adding them to the salad. This will give the pears a caramelized sweetness that enhances the overall dish.