Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy! Our Pear Arugula Salad with Cranberry Orange Dressing is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. With the freshness of arugula, the sweetness of pears, and the tanginess of cranberries, this salad is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just 10 minutes! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the simplicity and elegance of this American-inspired recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the walnuts by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Wash the arugula thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the fresh pear into thin, uniform wedges, removing the core and stem. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the pear slices with a small amount of lemon juice.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice and olive oil to create the dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the arugula as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the salad.
- Arrange the pear slices artfully across the arugula, then sprinkle the dried cranberries and toasted walnuts over the top.
- Drizzle the orange juice and olive oil dressing evenly over the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the arugula.
- Gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing and ingredients, ensuring each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Serve immediately as a fresh, light appetizer or side dish, garnishing with additional cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- To take your Pear Arugula Salad with Cranberry Orange Dressing to the next level, follow these expert tips:* To prevent the pear slices from browning, lightly toss them with lemon juice after slicing. * Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, so don't skip this step! * Make sure to pat the arugula dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture in your salad. * Whisk the dressing ingredients together just before serving to preserve the freshness of the salad. * Don't overdress the salad - you want to maintain the delicate balance of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 188kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
