This light and Fresh Rocket and Pear is easy and yet flavorful. The onion like taste of Arugula or Rocket leaves combines perfectly with Tangy Maple dressing. The Salad is great as lunch option on its own or great as side salad with any meat recipe as well.
Why we love this recipe:
Light and fresh Salad perfect for Fall and Winter when Pears are in season. Easy to add Blackberries if making it in the summer.
Sweetness of the Pears and Slight Onion flavor Arugula leaves is balanced with tangy Cranberries.
The ingredients you will need for Rocket and Pear Salad:
Rocket leaves aka Arugula leaves - I usually use baby Arugula leaves. These are easily available in grocery stores
Pear - Sweetest in Fall and Winter
Blackberries - Easily available in Summer. Make sure to find sweet ones if using.
Cranberries - Dry Cranberries available in grocery stores
Red Onion - Chopped in small pieces
Queso Fresco cheese or Parmesan cheese - I love the slight saltiness of Queso Fresco
Balsamic Vinegar - Use really good quality Vinegar and you will see the difference it makes.
Olive Oil - Extra Virgin is typically used for Salads
Dijon Mustard
Maple Syrup - You can also use Honey in a pinch.
Step by step instruction:
Dressing for Rocket and Pear Salad:
In a blender, add Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard and Maple Syrup. Blend until combined.
How to make:
Wash and dry the Pears. Cut them in medium size pieces with skin on.
If using Blackberries, wash thoroughly and pat dry.
Cut Red onion in small pieces. Store rest of the unused onion in a plastic wrap in refrigerator and use for another recipe.
Wash the Arugula leaves and run through salad spinner if you have one. Otherwise simply spread them out on a kitchen towel and pat dry. I usually use a colander to wash the vegetables so its easier to dry them.
Cut small pieces of Cheese about 1 cm x 1 cm. No need to be precise.
In a large bowl, add Onion, Pears, Cranberries. Add the Salad Dressing and mix thoroughly. Add Cheese and Arugula leaves and mix only until properly mixed. If you overmix, the leaves will wilt.
Top with berries if using.
Enjoy.
Recipe Variations for Rocket Pear Salad:
Add toasted nuts. The fruit provides enough sweetness and Nuts provide the crunch to make this a perfect Rocket Pear Walnut salad.
Try Blue cheese. If you are a fan of blue cheese, go ahead and do the cheese swap to make this Rocket Pear and blue cheese salad.
Storing and Making ahead tips:
Make the dressing ahead of time. Wash the fruits and Rocket leaves, dry completely and store in refrigerator. Cut fruits and assemble last minute.
Some delicious recipes to try next:
Indian Chaat Salad/Chickpea Salad
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Pear and Rocket Salad with Maple Dressing
Ingredients
- 6 Oz Rocket leaves aka Arugula leaves
- 1 Pear
- 1 Cup Blackberries
- ½ Cup Cranberries
- ¼ Cup Red Onion
- 6 oz Queso Fresco cheese or Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- ¼ tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
- Salt and Black Pepper per taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing:
- In a blender, add Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard and Maple Syrup. Blend until combined.
- How to make the Salad:
- Wash and dry the Pears. Cut them in medium size pieces with skin on.
- If using Blackberries, wash thoroughly and pat dry.
- Cut Red onion in small pieces. Store rest of the unused onion in a plastic wrap in refrigerator and use for another recipe.
- Wash the Arugula leaves and run through salad spinner if you have one. Otherwise simply spread them out on a kitchen towel and pat dry. I usually use a colander to wash the vegetables so its easier to dry them.
- Cut small pieces of Cheese about 1 cm x 1 cm. No need to be precise.
- In a large bowl, add Onion, Pears, Cranberries. Add the Salad Dressing and mix thoroughly. Add Cheese and Arugula leaves and mix only until properly mixed. If you overmix, the leaves will wilt.
- Add salt and Pepper per taste.
- Top with berries if using.
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