Arugula Pear Walnut Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
Fresh arugula and Belgian endive tossed with sliced pear and topped with toasted walnuts. The homemade walnut vinaigrette is made by blending walnuts with shallots, sherry vinegar, and olive oil, creating a rich dressing that coats the delicate greens. Serve as a light starter or add protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large handful arugula
- 1 small head Belgian endive, roughly choppedradicchio1:1greens
similar bitterness
- 1 ripe pear, cored, thinly sliced
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 cups walnuts
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sherry vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oilwalnut oil0.75:1oiladds tree_nuts
stronger walnut flavor
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
- 2
Make the vinaigrette by blending three-quarters of the walnuts with the shallots, salt, water, sherry vinegar, and olive oil in a blender until well incorporated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 3
Spread the remaining walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- 4
In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, endive, pear slices, and salt.
- 5
Pour enough vinaigrette over the greens to coat evenly.
- 6
Divide the salad between serving plates and sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top. Add cooked chicken or salmon if desired.
Tips
Toast the walnuts just before serving to keep them crispy rather than storing them toasted.
Blend the vinaigrette a day ahead and refrigerate to allow flavors to develop.
Good to Know
Refrigerate finished salad up to 2 hours. Store vinaigrette separately for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Prepare the vinaigrette and toast the walnuts up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.
Serve immediately as a light starter or with grilled chicken or salmon as a main course.
Common Mistakes
Do not dress the salad with vinaigrette more than 30 minutes ahead to avoid sogginess.
Do not skip the cooling step for toasted walnuts or they will continue cooking and become bitter.
Substitutions
similar bitterness
stronger walnut flavor