Arugula Pear Salad

5 from 2 votes

Arugula pear salad is a refreshing blend of peppery arugula, sweet, juicy pears, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed in a light, tangy dressing. Finished with crumbled cheese, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s as elegant as it is delicious.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: sides

Cuisine: american

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 590kcal

Author: Krista Stechman

Equipment

Ingredients

Sherry Vinaigrette

¼ cup sherry vinegar
1½ teaspoon shallot finely minced
1½ tablespoon honey local hive is my favorite
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice
½ teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal brand
1 pinch black pepper
½ cup olive oil

Pear Salad

3 oz prosciutto crispy
½ cup dried cherries good quality
¼ cup orange juice
5 oz arugula
2 red pears sliced thin on mandolin
⅓ cup toasted pecans
2 oz blue cheese crumbles
tt kosher salt Diamond Crystal brand
tt black pepper

Instructions

Make Dressing

Add all ingredients except olive oil to a food processor and blend on low for 10 seconds. While blender is still on, slowly drizzle olive oil into blender and continue to blend an additional 5 seconds after all oil is added

Make Salad

Preheat oven to 350°F then line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lay prosciutto out in single sheets then bake 10 minutes until crispy
Add dried cherries to a small bowl then cover with orange juice
Toss arugula, pears, toasted pecans and blue cheese crumbles in a large salad bowl then sprinkle salad with salt and pepper
Add crispy prosciutto and drained cherries to salad then drizzle with dressing and serve

Notes

I like leaving the pears whole while slicing on the mandolin to get the shape of the whole pear with near paper thin thickness

The prosciutto can be used in the salad as is or crisped up in the oven

Dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge

I like adding a pinch or two of salt and pepper over the top of my salad before serving however, this is optional

Nutrition