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Roasted Pear Salad With Arugula, Walnuts & Gorgonzola

Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula, Walnuts & Gorgonzola Bliss

This Roasted Pear Salad with Arugula, Walnuts & Gorgonzola is a nutritious delight, balancing flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup farro (dry) Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor; can swap for quinoa, barley, or millet for gluten-free.
  • 4 pieces pears (Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou) Provides natural sweetness and moisture; ensure they are firm to prevent sogginess.
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (for roasting pears) Enhances flavor and color; avocado oil is a good substitute.
  • 6 cups baby arugula (rocket) Adds peppery flavor and vitamins; swap for baby spinach or kale if desired.
  • 1 cup walnuts (raw) Provides crunch and healthy fats; use pecans or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola (crumbled) Adds creamy and tangy notes; parmesan or feta can be used instead.
  • Salt + pepper Enhances overall flavor.
For Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup olive oil The base for your dressing.
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Offers acidity and sweetness; a great partner for this roasted pear salad.
  • 1 whole lemon (juice only) Brightens the flavors.
  • 2 tsp honey Adds natural sweetness; use maple syrup for a vegan version.
  • 2 tsp garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced) Deepens flavor; fresh garlic will give a more vibrant taste.
  • Salt + pepper Season the vinaigrette to perfection.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Medium pot
  • Baking sheet
  • jar or bowl for dressing

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a medium pot of water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of farro and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the farro is tender and chewy. Drain any excess water and set the farro aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  2. As the farro cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  3. Slice the pears into eight even wedges, ensuring you keep the skin on for added flavor and texture. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Spread the pears evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  5. While the pears are cooling, prepare your balsamic vinaigrette. In a jar or bowl, combine 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, the juice of one lemon, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of baby arugula, the cooked farro, roasted pears, and 1 cup of raw walnuts. Crumble 1/2 cup of gorgonzola over the top.
  7. Finally, pour your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, and give it another gentle toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure pears are firm to prevent a soggy texture. Cook farro until tender but still chewy for the perfect salad base. Consider preparing components ahead of time for convenience.

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