Description
Arugula Pear Salad combines peppery fresh arugula with sweet, juicy ripe pears, savory smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinegar (natural) dressing. Toasted walnuts add crunch, creating a vibrant, nutritious, and refreshing salad perfect for light lunches or elegant starters.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 100g plant-based cheese, crumbled or sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thoroughly wash and dry the arugula leaves to keep them crisp. Peel and thinly slice the ripe pears, ensuring they maintain their shape. Cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Crumble or slice the plant-based cheese into small chunks. Measure and toast the walnuts if not already toasted.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced zing that complements but does not overpower the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced pears, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly, taking care not to bruise the pears or break up the cheese.
- Add Dressing and Nuts: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly again to coat all pieces. Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that completes the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm pears to maintain pleasant texture and juiciness.
- Dry greens thoroughly after washing to avoid sogginess.
- Toast walnuts before adding to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Toss dressing just before serving to keep salad fresh and crisp.
- Adjust acidity of dressing with extra apple cider vinegar (natural) or lemon juice to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking / Tossing
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: arugula salad, pear salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, walnut salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, fresh salad, gluten free
