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Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette

Pear and Arugula Salad with Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette

4.8 from 29 reviews

A refreshing and elegant Pear and Arugula Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and a vibrant lemon-honey vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil, whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and well combined. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the fresh arugula, sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola, and candied pecans until evenly distributed.
  3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the pears or wilting the arugula.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with the thinly sliced red onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm pears for best texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the honey in the vinaigrette to balance the tartness according to your taste.
  • Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans if preferred.
  • For a nut-free version, omit candied pecans and add toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
  • This salad is best served immediately to prevent the arugula from wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pear arugula salad, Gorgonzola salad, candied pecans salad, lemon honey vinaigrette, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad