Name: Pear Arugula Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups organic arugula; 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/2-1 organic pear; 1/3 cup walnuts; 2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese; 1/4 cup micro-greens (optional); 1 tbsp chopped shallot; 1-2 garlic cloves; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; juice from 1/2 of a lemon; 1/2 tsp ground sea salt

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Delicious and healthy Pear & Arugula Salad! This nutrient packed salad is sure to please everyone. It is my go to, particularly in the fall season when pears are at their peak ripeness. This salad is loaded with peppery arugula, crisp organic pears, soft goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. And works great as a healthy lunch idea or a crowd pleasing side dish!

What are the ingredients in this Pear & Arugula Salad?

Arugula: This salad begins with peppery arugula. Arugula is a cruciferous salad green, known for its distinct flavor, and nutrient content. It is loaded with fiber, phytochemicals, and micronutrients such as calcium, potassium, folate, and more. Research has also shown that arugula may even have cancer fighting properties.

Organic Pear: Pears are the staple ingredient in this salad. They add a cool, crisp, and refreshing taste to this salad. That is why I like to enjoy this salad when pears are in their peak season (September – January). In addition to their delicious taste, pears are loaded with nutrients. Pears are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, which help ease inflammation and may decrease your risk of disease. They are also high in fiber and vitamins & minerals such as folate, vitamin C, copper, and potassium.

Goat Cheese: The soft and creamy goat cheese in this recipe is a perfect compliment to the crisp cool pears and crunchy pecans. The taste of goat cheese is very milld. It also contains a milk protein (A2 casein) which is far more easily digested than the A1 protein that is in most cows milk. In addition, goat cheese is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Walnuts: Of course a salad isn’t complete without some crunch. That’s where the walnuts come in. In addition to a delicious nutty crunch, walnuts are loaded with healthy fats and beneficial micronutrients.

How to Make This Pear & Arugula Salad

Step One: Prep your ingredients by chopping the pear and red onion into thin slices.

Step Two: Blend together all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds or until shallots are minced and ingredients are combined.

Step Three: Then build your salad starting with the arugula, then add the pear, onion, walnuts, and goat cheese. Pour the desired about of vinaigrette over the salad and enjoy!