This Zesty Pear Walnut Salad is a fresh and crunchy delight! With juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy dressing, it’s a tasty side that brightens any meal.
You might just want to eat this salad for lunch every day—who knew greens could be this fun? I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra yummy twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arugula or Mixed Greens: Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but you can use spinach or romaine if you prefer milder greens. Each option gives a different twist to your salad!
Pears: Bartlett and Bosc are great choices for their sweetness and texture. If pears aren’t available, apples could be a nice substitute—crisp and refreshing!
Walnuts: I love the crunch of toasted walnuts. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch.
Blue Cheese: This adds a wonderfully sharp flavor. If you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese can replace it nicely, or you could skip cheese altogether for a lighter salad.
Dried Cranberries or Pomegranate Seeds: Both add sweetness and color! If you want something less sweet, consider using chopped apples or even sliced grapes.
How Do You Toast Nuts Perfectly?
Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds crunch. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Use a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes.
- Watch carefully; once they turn golden and smell fragrant, remove from the heat.
Let them cool a bit, then add to your salad for that perfect crunch! It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
How to Make Zesty Pear Walnut Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula or mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (such as Bartlett or Bosc)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zesty Pear Walnut Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend just a few moments toasting the walnuts and whisking together the dressing. The hardest part? Waiting to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Walnuts:
Start by toasting the walnuts to bring out their flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; once they’re fragrant and lightly browned, take them off the heat and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar (white balsamic or apple cider), honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add the fresh arugula or mixed greens. Then, layer the thinly sliced pears on top of the greens. Next, sprinkle the toasted walnuts, dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds), and crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your zesty dressing over the salad. Be generous! Now, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is nicely coated with the dressing. Remember, you want to keep the greens and pear slices as intact as possible for that beautiful presentation!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing mix of zesty, sweet, and crunchy flavors that this salad brings!
Can I Use Different Greens for This Salad?
Absolutely! While arugula adds a peppery flavor, you can substitute with spinach, kale, or romaine for a milder taste. Each green will provide a unique twist to the salad!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container without the dressing to keep the greens crisp. They should stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply drizzle with dressing again.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance! Slice the pears and store them in lemon juice to prevent browning. Toast the walnuts and mix the dressing ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, you can use feta, goat cheese, or even skip the cheese entirely if you want a lighter option. Each will add a delightful flavor to the salad!