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!
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!
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.
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!
Want more salad recipes like this?
If you liked this salad recipe, you’re going to want these recipes too:
- Avocado Edamame Kale Salad
- Sweet Corn and Avocado Salad
- Asian-Inspired Summer Peach Salad
- Grilled Miso Shrimp Garden Salad
Arugula Salad with Asian Pears and Lemon Vinaigrette
This simple, 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!
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 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
For the vinaigrette:
- Juice from 2 large lemons
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
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.
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!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 4.6 g
- Sodium: 85.2 mg
- Fat: 28.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
- Protein: 6.6 g
- Cholesterol: 6.5 mg
Lathiya says
The arugula salad looks so tempting with the crunchy pears. I'm always looking for such easy recipes to make in hot summers.
Asian Caucasian says
This salad is so light and fresh, perfect for summer. It has such great flavors throughout. Hope you enjoy!
Ramona says
I saw this salad the other day and was interested in the idea of putting asian pears in it! I made this the other day and it was soo good. I will definitely make this again for sure!
Asian Caucasian says
We love this salad around here! I'm going to try sweet peaches next time for variation.
Kari Alana says
I absolute adore rocket and this is such a great flavour combination. Making this for dinner tonight.
Asian Caucasian says
The peppery flavor of the arugula (rocket) lettuce combined with the sweet pears is so delightful!
April says
What a beautiful salad. I actually never had pears in salad before. I definitely need to be more creative when it comes to cooking with pears. I love how you paired it here with arugula. Thanks for sharing Lesli.
Asian Caucasian says
You should try the pears in salad. It's surprisingly good! The tangy dressing puts this salad on top!
Georgina @ Culinary Travels says
This salad was absolutely amazing. The flavours were splendid. So light and tasty and healthy too.
Asian Caucasian says
So glad you enjoyed this salad, Gerogina! It's top of the list these days for salads in my house!
Jen | Jen's Food Lab says
I LOVE Asian pears! I was just at H Mart the other day and bought some to snack on, but maybe I'll make them into a meal instead. Awesome!
Asian Caucasian says
Love H-Mart! But I was able to find Asian pears at my local Kroger grocery store! I was pleasantly surprised!
Beth says
Baby arugula is a wonderful salad green and that mild pepperiness always wakes me right up. Love the vinaigrette recipe, which looks light but with that mustardy tang.
Asian Caucasian says
I had fun making this salad. Threw on the goat cheese and avocado for some creaminess!
Sapna says
Omg this salad is so so delicious. I love all the flavors going in there. How gorgeous is this looking😍
Asian Caucasian says
We really love this one. The tangy dressing is really good with this salad!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What an incredible salad! The pears go perfectly with the arugula and I love the fresh flavors in this. Making this again for family.
Asian Caucasian says
The addition of the goat cheese and avocado gives this salad a creaminess too! Thanks so much!
Kushigalu says
What a simple, flavorful and refreshing salad recipe to try this summer. Thanks for sharing
Asian Caucasian says
Hope you enjoy! I know we did! Will be making this again and again.
Gail Montero says
I love arugula! This tasty salad is totally right up my alley. Love the fruity freshness from the Asian pears!
Asian Caucasian says
We really loved this one. It has a great combo of flavors and it's so light and delish for summer!
Sondra Barker says
I love everything in this salad!! It's so fresh and perfect for a summer day! Pictures are beautiful too!
Asian Caucasian says
Thank you, Sondra! I enjoyed the combo of peppery arugula, sweet pears, and creamy goat cheese!
Jacqueline Debono says
This is such a beautiful looking salad! I actually have a small pear tree in my garden, not Asian pears but very similar. On my to make list in the next few days!
Asian Caucasian says
Any pears will do just fine in this salad! Aren't you lucky to have a nice fruit tree in your garden!
Marta says
I don't know why more recipe writers don't make salads with arugula. It's my favorite salad green and your combining it with pears is ingenious.
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks, Marta! We eat a lot of arugula around here. Love the pepperiness of the greens and the sweetness from the pears.
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! Such a wonderful salad recipe. The color itself tells us that this is definitely a very healthy theme salad, the presentation is mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing such an awesome salad recipe.
Asian Caucasian says
That's so kind of you to say, Amy! I had fun composing this tasty salad, and even more fun eating!
Sarah James says
What a delicious looking salad, I love the pepperiness of rocket and I bet it goes so well with the lemon vinaigrette, time to go and find some Asian pears.
Asian Caucasian says
The combo of flavors in this salad are really great. I love a lemon vinaigrette on most salads!
Colleen says
I love this fresh, crisy salad! It has all the flavour elements and the pistachios are a perfect addition. Will be making this again!
Asian Caucasian says
So glad you like this! It's my go-to salad lately.
Maria says
I love Asian pears, but never thought to put them in a salad. Such a simple, yet flavorful salad!
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks, Maria! The combo of sweet Asian pears with the bitter arugula is so good!
Emily says
I love asian pears and they are so delicious in this arugula salad! What a refreshing recipe!
Asian Caucasian says
Thanks so much, Emily! I do love this summer salad!
Taleen | Just As Tasty says
This salad looks so fresh and delicious! Love that you add some chili flakes in the vinaigrette.
Asian Caucasian says
I always like to have a dash of spice! Sweet, salty, bitter, and slightly spicy!
Stine Mari says
What a beautiful salad with tons of delicious flavor. I love how much herbs you have here, can't be enough! I'll be making it soon, let's hope the Asian grocery store has these lovely pears 🙂
Asian Caucasian says
I actually picked up the Asian pears at my local Kroger grocery store! I was surprised they had them, but delighted they did! You can use regular Bosc pears if you can't find them. Emjoy!
Pam Franklin says
I love a good arugula salad and this one is perfect! Love the Asian pears and the goat cheese combo. Can’t wait to make this!
Asian Caucasian says
I'm with you, Pam! I love peppery arugula and all the goodies on top! These Asian pears are amazing!