Description
A fresh, colorful salad made with peppery arugula, juicy pear slices, pomegranate arils, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed with a simple balsamic honey vinaigrette. It is quick, elegant, and perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 ounces arugula, washed and dried
- 2 ripe but firm Bartlett or Anjou pears, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 3/4 cup walnut halves
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- If desired, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Place the arugula in a large salad bowl or serving dish.
- Arrange the sliced pears over the arugula, then add the pomegranate arils and walnut halves.
- Scatter the goat cheese over the top in soft crumbles.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently if desired, or leave lightly layered, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears so they stay neat and juicy in the salad.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
- Feta can be used in place of goat cheese for a saltier flavor.
- Pecans can be used instead of walnuts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pear pomegranate salad, arugula salad, holiday salad, goat cheese salad, walnut salad, festive salad, balsamic vinaigrette salad