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    Home » Mains » Salads

    Pear and Rocket Salad

    Originally Published: Nov 10, 2020 · Last Updated: Nov 10, 2020 by Ann · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    103 shares
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    Slice pears arranged on a bed of arugula with pecans, shaved parmesan and sliced red onions.

    Ripe, juicy pears and peppery rocket (arugula) pair perfectly in this lightly dressed, fall-themed pear and rocket salad. So easy to make, beautiful, and perfect for the holiday table.

    Slice pears arranged on a bed of arugula with pecans, shaved parmesan and sliced red onions.

    I often find myself craving something light and fresh in the fall. I guess there's only so many heavy casseroles and soups my body can take before it starts screaming for lettuce.

    And this pear and rocket salad is exactly what my body was craving last weekend. We ate it as a meal with a baguette on the side and it was perfection.

    So let's talk about this salad.

    Ingredient Notes

    Rocket (arugula)

    Depending on where you are in the world, you might call these greens "arugula" rather than rocket. Regardless, these are some of the most flavorful salad greens you can get. Rocket has a nutty, peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet ripe fruit like these pears.

    You can definitely substitute other greens like spinach, spring mix, or baby kale if you prefer milder greens. Or go with a combination of your favorite tender greens for a custom mix.

    Pears

    I used Bartlett pears this time, simply because they were the best-looking ones at the grocery store this time. Any pear will work, so use your favorite! Bosc or Anjou work great.

    I let these ripen for a couple of days on the counter since they were a bit hard when I got them. For a little extra crunch, use them when they're still on the firmer side.

    Salty shaved Parmesan, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries round out the ingredients in this salad.

    I like to use a swivel peeler to get those thin Parmesan shavings, but a sharp knife works too. Other nuts and dried fruits can be substituted.

    How to Make a Pear and Rocket Salad

    Ingredients for a white wine vinaigrette
    1. Start by mixing up a simple white wine vinaigrette. If you prefer to tame the tang and like a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey, or try the maple vinaigrette that goes in this fall apple salad (one of my absolute favorite dressings).

      Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt and pepper. White balsamic, champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic can be used in place of the white wine vinegar.
    Ingredients to be added to a  pear and arugula salad.
    1. In a small dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium-low heat, tossing frequently, for 5 minutes or so, until lightly browned.
    2. Thinly slice a small red onion and put the slices in a small bowl of cold water. This is optional but helps tame the harsh flavor of the onion.
    3. Thinly slice a couple of pears. I like to do this as close to eating time as possible because they pears oxidize (brown) quickly once cut.
    4. Drain the onions and combine them with the rocket. Toss with dressing to taste.
    White wine vinaigrette being drizzled over arugula and thinly sliced onions

    6. Distribute the salad between bowls. Arrange the sliced pears, toasted pecans, and cranberries on top, and shave some Parmesan over everything.

    A salad composed of arugula, sliced pears, pecans, dried cranberries, and Parmesan shavings

    Enjoy! xx

    A rocket salad in a wooden bowl wit sliced pears, pecans and Parmesan shavings.

    Pear and Rocket (Arugula) Salad

    Ripe, juicy pears and peppery rocket (arugula) pair perfectly in this lightly dressed, fall-themed salad.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Salad, Side, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings (as a side)
    Author: Ann Otis

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 7 ounces rocket AKA arugula
    • 2 pears thinly sliced*
    • ¼ cup very thinly sliced red onion soaked for 5 minutes in cold water (optional)*
    • ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
    • ⅓ cup pecan halves
    • ⅓ cup dried cranberries

    Dressing

    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • fresh ground pepper

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
    • Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly browned.
    • In a large bowl, combine the arugula and red onion. Toss with dressing to taste.
    • Divide salad between plates and top with pear, toasted pecans, and cranberries. Shave some Parmesan over the salad with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife.

    Notes

    *Choose pears that are on the firmer side of ripe.
    *This softens the flavor of the onion so it's not so harsh.
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    Ann from Our Happy Mess

    I'm Ann and I believe in balanced eating, homemade foods, and DESSERT. I love to cook, but I can't spend all day in the kitchen anymore, so what you'll mostly find here are simple, family-friendly recipes. I'm really happy you're here!
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