If you’re looking to add a fresh and vibrant salad to your recipe collection, this Arugula Pear Salad With Lemon Dressing is a must-try. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of arugula, pears, walnuts, and parmesan with the zesty lemon dressing will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

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This Arugula Pear Salad is not just delicious—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors. The tender yet slightly crisp arugula provides a peppery kick, while the juicy pears add natural sweetness and a touch of softness. With its tangy and zesty notes, the lemon dressing brightens up the whole dish, creating a refreshing balance that’s perfect for any occasion.

Want more salad recipes? Try my delicious Avocado Blueberry Quinoa Salad, the Best Peach Tomato and Burrata Salad, or my crowd-pleaser, Simple Lemon Garlic Kale Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Arugula Pear Salad With Lemon Dressing

Healthy and Nutritious– Packed with nutrient-rich arugula, pears, and walnuts, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a great way to get a variety of nutrients in one delicious dish. Plus, it’s naturally low in calories but high in flavor, so you can enjoy it without any guilt.
Versatile and Customizable– Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a light lunch, or a dish to impress at a dinner party, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste by adding proteins like grilled chicken or adding in a cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Super Easy to Make– Despite looking elegant, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning salad on the table in minutes. The lemon dressing comes together quickly, and everything is tossed in one bowl—no complicated prep is required.

Ingredients

Arugula– Serves as the base of the salad, offering a fresh, peppery contrast to the sweetness of the pears and the crunch of the walnuts. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Pears- Adds natural sweetness and juiciness to the salad, balancing out the peppery arugula. Their crisp texture also contrasts beautifully with the tender greens and crunchy walnuts.

Walnuts– Adds a crunchy texture and a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears and the peppery arugula. They also bring a boost of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids to the salad.

Fresh Thyme– An aromatic herb with small, fragrant leaves. It has an earthy, slightly lemony flavor.

Olive Oil– Serves as the base for the salad dressing, providing a smooth, rich texture and healthy monounsaturated fats. It also helps carry the flavors of the other ingredients.

White Wine Vinegar– Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing, helping to balance the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the olive oil. It enhances the overall freshness of the salad.

Fresh Lemon Juice– Adds a zesty, tangy flavor that ties the dressing together and complements the lemony notes in the thyme. It also enhances the salad’s overall freshness and gives a light, refreshing lift.

Honey– Balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice in the dressing. It helps round out the flavors with natural sweetness, which works beautifully with the pears and arugula.

Shallots– Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor to the dressing without overpowering it. They bring a subtle complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Garlic– Adds an aromatic, savory element to the dressing. Its bold flavor helps balance the sweetness of the honey and pears, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

INSTRUCTIONS

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, chopped shallots, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
To create the salad, combine the arugula, chopped pears, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme in a large bowl and toss with the lemon dressing. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve and enjoy!

Variations to Try

This arugula pear salad is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to add your personal touch with these variations:

Add Protein: For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, turkey slices, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Cheese Options: If parmesan isn’t your thing, try goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.
Add More Veggies: You can add thinly sliced red onions, roasted beets, or avocado for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try candied pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for an equally delicious crunch.

Tip/Storage

To Make Ahead: To prep this salad ahead of time, chop the pears and store them in a separate container from the arugula to prevent the lettuce from wilting. You can also make the salad dressing ahead of time and store it in a separate container (or mason jar with a tight lid) until ready to use.

To Store: This arugula pear salad will last 1 to 2 days stored in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge, but I recommend enjoying it the same day, as the salad will begin to wilt once it has been tossed with the dressing. Make sure to only dress the salad right before serving! This lemon dressing will last in the fridge for up to a week.