Asian Pear and Arugula Salad
A light, refreshing salad featuring crisp Asian pears, peppery arugula, and a tangy ginger-sesame dressing. This elegant dish comes together in 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with any meal.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 220
- Protein
- 7g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 3 cups fresh arugula
- 1 pear Asian pear, medium
- ¼ cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 0.5 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 0.5 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk until the honey dissolves and the dressing comes together. Taste and adjust — it should be balanced between tangy, salty, and slightly sweet. Set aside.
- 2
Wash the 3 cups of fresh arugula and pat completely dry with paper towels — removing excess moisture prevents the salad from becoming watery and wilting quickly.
- 3
Wash one medium Asian pear under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, slice the pear in half lengthwise, then use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core. Thinly slice each pear half into 1/8-inch slices — you want them delicate so they blend seamlessly with the tender arugula.
- 4
Place the dry arugula in a large bowl or on individual plates. Arrange the pear slices on top of the arugula, fanning them slightly for visual appeal.
- 5
Drizzle the ginger-sesame dressing evenly over the salad — start with two-thirds and add more if you prefer a wetter salad. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to bruise the delicate pear slices.
- 6
Scatter 0.25 cup roughly chopped unsalted roasted peanuts and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Finish with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for nutty flavor and texture. Serve immediately while the pear is crisp and the salad is at its peak freshness.
Tools you’ll need
- small mixing bowl
- whisk
- paper towels
- sharp chef's knife
- cutting board
- melon baller
- large serving bowl or individual plates
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