Arugula Salad with Asian Pears and Lemon Vinaigrette

Name: Arugula Salad with Asian Pears and Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 5-ounce bag baby arugula; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 Asian pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced; 2 large avocados, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced; ½ cup pistachio nuts, chopped; 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled; 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds; Juice from 2 large lemons; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; Pinch of salt and pepper

April 18, 2022 · Published: July 13, 2020 By: Asian Inspired Eats 44 Comments

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This tasty Arugula Salad with Asian Pears is topped with avocados, pistachios, goat cheese, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or dinner, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

Two bowls of arugula salad topped with Asian pears and avocados with dressing on the side

Simple and delicious, this Arugula Salad with Asian Pears has the perfect mix of bitter, sweet, creamy, tangy, and crunchy. The combination of the sweet pears and tangy vinaigrette is a winner. And the crunch from the pistachios gives this salad such a nice texture!

Asian pears on a wooden board with a slicing knife

What are asian pears?

"Pyrus pyrifolia" is a species of pear tree native to East Asia, a.k.a. the Asian pear. Asian pears range in size from small to medium and vary in shape from round, globular, and squat, to oval with a bulbous base that tapers into a rounded top. The firm skin can be golden yellow, green, or bronze.

The flesh of the Asian pear is ivory to white and is crunchy, juicy, and creamy. When ripe, Asian pears are crisp with a sweet, floral flavor, low acidity, and a fragrant aroma. Asian pears are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and vitamin K.

ingredients for tangy lemon vinaigrette, lemons, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and fresh ginger

This tangy lemon vinaigrette really complements the arugula salad with Asian pears. It's tart and a bit spicy from the zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Steps to make this asian pear salad

Make the vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, ginger, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then the salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: Arrange the baby arugula at the bottom of a large salad bowl and toss in the cilantro and mint. Top with slices of pears, avocados, pistachios, and goat cheese crumbles.
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Serve the extra dressing on the side.

Recipe notes

You can make the lemon vinaigrette the day before and store in the refrigerator when ready to serve.
If you’re not a fan of arugula, use whatever lettuce you have on hand!
Asian pears can be found at most gourmet grocery stores and at Asian markets. It can also be purchased on Amazon here.
Can’t find Asian pears? Use Bosc pears instead!
Don’t have black sesame seeds? No problem. Use toasted sesame seeds instead!

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