Description
A refreshing and elegant Pear & Brie Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy brie cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all brought together with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens
- 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
Fruit
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly
Cheese
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
Fruit Add-ins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash the arugula or mixed greens thoroughly and dry them well. Core the pears and slice them thinly to ensure they blend nicely with the greens.
- Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pears, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add the brie: Arrange the sliced brie cheese on top of the dressed salad just before serving to maintain the cheese’s shape and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and the contrasting textures of crispy greens, creamy brie, and sweet pears.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and replace with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid mushy slices in the salad.
- Brie can be substituted with Camembert or a soft goat cheese for a similar creamy texture with slightly different flavor profiles.
- Adding dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds provides a burst of tartness and added color but is optional.
- Adjust the honey quantity based on your desired sweetness and the ripeness of the pears.
