Combining the peppery bite of arugula with the sweetness of ripe pears and the rich complexity of honeycomb, this arugula pear salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional greens.
Salads are my favorite and always in my meal rotation! This salad reminds me of the Wendy's apple chicken salad. And this pear pomegranate salad is always a part of my winter salad rotation. I love this BLT salad for staying on my goals for the week and I love a good watermelon salad or taco salad recipe!
Ingredients
It's a simple ingredient list for this salad. You will need:
- Arugula
- Bleu cheese crumbles
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Pear slices
- Honeycomb
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Arrange a bed of your favorite lettuce on a plate. Romaine, arugula, mixed greens, or baby spinach would all work well.
- Top the lettuce with your cooked chicken, thinly sliced and evenly distributed. You can use grilled, roasted, or poached chicken depending on your preference.
- Next, scatter your pear slices over the chicken. Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Don't forget to drizzle them with a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sprinkle crumbled bleu cheese generously over the salad. The creamy texture and sharp flavor will complement the other ingredients.
- Drizzle a thin layer of honey across the salad, adding a touch of sweetness and a honeycomb crunch.
- Finish your masterpiece with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Substitutions
Anyone can enjoy this salad! Here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Bleu cheese: If you aren't a fan of bleu cheese, feel free to substitute feta or goat cheese instead.
- Gluten free: This recipe is naturally gluten free!
- Dairy free: Omit the cheese in this recipe or feel free to use dairy free cheese.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: You can make this recipe vegan by omitting or using plant based chicken or tofu. For vegan you can also omit the honeycomb and use plant based cheese. You can also use a drizzle of maple syrup or agave syrup if desired in place of the honeycomb.
Tips
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad for added protein.
- Swap Ingredients: Feel free to substitute other leafy greens such as spinach or mixed greens for the arugula, and use different types of nuts or cheeses according to your preference.
- Enhance Flavor: Drizzle an extra touch of honey over the salad for an extra layer of flavor if you would like.
Storing
This salad is best served fresh or within a day of preparing.
FAQ
Honeycomb can typically be found at specialty grocery stores, farmer's markets, or online retailers. Look for high-quality honeycomb with a fresh, sweet aroma for the best flavor.
Yes, you can experiment with different fruits such as apples, figs, or grapes to create variations of this salad according to your taste preferences and seasonal availability.
Yes, it's essential to wash the arugula thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticide residues. Rinse the arugula under cold running water and dry it using a salad spinner or by patting it gently with paper towels.
Honeycomb Arugula Pear Salad
Equipment
- salad bowl
- pan
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula washed and dried
- 2 ripe pears thinly sliced
- ¼ cup bleu cheese
- ¼ cup honeycomb broken into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- Balsamic dressing to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl arrange lettuce. Top lettuce with cooked chicken, pear slices, and bleu cheese crumbles. Sprinkle honeycomb over the top of the salad and drizzle with balsamic dressing.
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