Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for arugula pear salad, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Salad:
Arugula – This dark leafy green has a velvety texture and mild, peppery flavor that goes well with the other ingredients. If you can’t find arugula, you can use a bag of mixed greens, kale, or any lettuces you like instead. Anjou Pears – I prefer green pears for their firm flesh and green color, but red Anjou pears work as well. If you use a softer pear, use Bartlett pears and slice them slightly thicker to avoid smashing them. Feta – Crumble it fresh, or get a pre-crumbled variety. If you prefer a different cheese, you can easily make a pear and gorgonzola cheese salad, pear blue cheese salad, or pear goat cheese salad instead. Walnuts – I use raw, unsalted walnuts for an earthy crunch. Pecans would make another delicious substitute.
Dressing:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I recommend a high-quality oil as the flavor shines through in the dressing. You can also use a more neutral oil, such as avocado oil. White Wine Vinegar – Adds bright flavor and helps the dressing emulsify. You can also use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice instead. Maple Syrup – Adds a deep, sweet flavor to pear salad recipes. For zero sugar and the same great maple flavor, I use this sugar-free maple syrup. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For easy seasoning.
How To Make Pear Salad
This section shows how to make salad with pears with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
This simple pear salad works perfectly as-is, but there are lots of ways to customize it!
Use Candied Nuts – You can make them on a baking sheet in the oven, caramelize them in a skillet on medium heat, or try a recipe like my sugar-free candied pecans in the slow cooker. Use instead of raw nuts. Add Veggies – Include thin slices of radishes, diced red onion, shredded brussels sprouts, or shredded carrots. Swap Fruits – If pears are unavailable, substitute sliced apples or grapes sliced in half lengthwise. Trade The Dressing – Use a creamy balsamic vinaigrette or homemade Italian dressing in this salad with pear recipe. Or, try a sweeter dressing like my sugar free salad dressing as a low carb option. You could also keep the same dressing and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for deeper flavor. Toppings – Add a punch of flavor with sugar-free dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds (sometimes called pomegranate arils), sliced hard boiled eggs, or crumbled bacon in the oven.
Storage Instructions
This pear salad tastes best fresh, but if you need to store it, keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the dressing separately, in the fridge as well. Add the dressing right before serving.
What To Serve With Pear Salad
This arugula pear salad is a quick and easy addition to so many recipes!
Chicken – Juicy baked chicken legs, simple balsamic chicken thighs, or air fryer chicken breast would pair nicely with pear salad recipes. You can serve them on the side, or slice the chicken and add directly to the salad for a full meal. Beef – Try this salad with beef short ribs, juicy sirloin steak, or even a roasted beef tenderloin for special occasions. For a quick and easy summer dish, serve it with a juicy grilled burger. Seafood – Enjoy a baked sea bass recipe, buttery crab stuffed salmon, bright and flavorful jerk salmon, or broiled lobster tails with this dish. Soups – Roasted cauliflower soup, ground turkey soup, or cream of asparagus soup pair well with this salad for lunch.
More Fruity Salad Recipes
Fruit adds a burst of flavor to hearty greens! If you like this recipe for pear salad, you’ll enjoy these other salads with fruit: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
Nutrition info used regular maple syrup, but sugar, carbs, and calories would be lower if using sugar-free maple syrup.
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