Elevate your salad game with this delightful "Pear Salad with Warm Shallot Dressing" that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the peppery bite of fresh arugula, all drizzled with a fragrant warm shallot dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes from start to finish—but also bursts with flavor and freshness. Are you ready to impress your guests with a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the pears thoroughly. Carefully slice the pears into thin, uniform wedges, removing the core and stem.
- Gently rinse the arugula leaves and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to ensure crisp texture.
- Peel and finely mince the shallots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution in the dressing.
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté gently until they become soft and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add red wine vinegar to the shallots in the saucepan, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to warm for an additional 1-2 minutes, creating a light, fragrant dressing.
- Season the warm dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Arrange the fresh arugula leaves on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Carefully place the sliced pear wedges on top of the arugula, distributing them evenly.
- Immediately pour the warm shallot dressing over the salad, ensuring the pears and arugula are lightly coated.
- Serve the salad immediately while the dressing is still warm to maximize flavor and texture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Opt for ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, for the best texture and flavor. Overripe pears may become mushy in the salad.
- Keep the Arugula Crisp: After washing the arugula, ensure it is thoroughly dried to maintain its crispness. A salad spinner works wonders for this!
- Mince Shallots Evenly: For a balanced flavor, finely mince the shallots. This will ensure they cook evenly and infuse the dressing with their sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
- Monitor the Heat: When sautéing the shallots, keep the heat on medium-low to prevent them from browning too much. You want them soft and translucent, not caramelized.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the full flavor of the warm dressing and the freshness of the ingredients, serve the salad right after assembling it. The warmth enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding herbs like thyme or a touch of honey for extra sweetness, tailoring it to your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
