Arugula Pear Mandarin Pomegranate Salad Recipe
Arugula pear mandarin pomegranate salad is a fresh, colorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Made with peppery arugula, juicy pear, sweet mandarin, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and a simple balsamic dressing, this salad works well as a lunch, dinner, or light side dish.
It is one of those salads that looks elegant but is very easy to prepare. The balance of sweet fruit, sharp greens, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing makes every bite bright and satisfying. This is a great option when you want something light that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is quick, colorful, and easy to customize. It uses simple, fresh ingredients, yet the flavor combination feels a little more polished than your everyday side salad. It is also a great way to enjoy seasonal fruit with leafy greens.
Ingredients for Arugula Pear Mandarin Pomegranate Salad
Arugula
Arugula gives the salad its peppery bite and fresh green base. You can usually find it in bags or plastic containers in the produce section near the other salad greens.
Pear
A ripe pear adds sweetness and a soft, juicy texture. Bartlett pears work well, but other sweet pears can also be used.
Mandarin
Mandarin segments add brightness and natural sweetness. They pair especially well with arugula and balsamic dressing.
Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds bring texture, color, and bursts of tart flavor. They also make the salad look more vibrant and festive.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a little sharpness and color. If you prefer a milder flavor, shallots are a good substitute.
Feta Cheese
Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty finish that ties the salad together. Goat cheese can also be used if preferred.
Simple Balsamic Dressing
This easy dressing is made with pantry staples:
- extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- garlic
- salt
- black pepper
How to Make Arugula Pear Mandarin Pomegranate Salad
Start by washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. If you like, you can rinse the pear, mandarin, and pomegranate with a little vinegar and water before drying them.
Place the arugula on a large platter or in a large serving bowl. Top with the cubed pear, mandarin segments, pomegranate seeds, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta.
To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and blended.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
Tips and Notes for the Best Pear and Arugula Salad
- No balsamic vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
- Honey can be replaced with agave or maple syrup.
- Fresh garlic gives the dressing a better flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Add roasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews for extra crunch.
- Dried cranberries, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots also work well in this salad.
- For a fuller meal, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them when ready to eat.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese works very well in this salad. You can also leave the cheese out altogether if you want a dairy-free version.
What kind of pear is best for this salad?
Bartlett pears are a great option because they are sweet and juicy. Bosc or Anjou pears can also work.
Can I use bottled pomegranate seeds?
Yes. Bottled or packaged pomegranate seeds are a convenient option that saves time.
Is this salad good for spring and holiday meals?
Absolutely. It works well for spring lunches, brunches, and holiday gatherings because it is colorful, fresh, and easy to serve.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon would make this salad more filling without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts for this arugula, pear, mandarin, pomegranate salad
This arugula, pear, mandarin, and pomegranate salad is a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into something fresh, colorful, and memorable. It is quick enough for a weekday lunch but pretty enough to serve for guests or special meals. When you need a salad that does not feel boring or sad, this one gets the job done.
Arugula, Pear, Mandarin, and Pomegranate Salad
Ingredients
The Salad
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 2 ounces about ½ cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
- 1 large ripe Bartlett pear cut into cubes
- 1-2 mandarin wedges
- Seeds from 1 pomegranate
- 1 Red onion sliced
The Simple Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Place the arugula on a large platter. Make sure that the leaves are spread on the platter.
- Layer the remaining ingredients, the pear, mandarin, pomegranate seeds, red onion, and feta cheese.
- To prepare the dressing, combine all ingredients and whisk until blended. Add more oil and vinegar if necessary and check the seasoning.
- Serve the dressing with salad on the side. It is best as some people may want to eat the salad without the dressing.
Notes
- No balsamic vinegar, don’t worry, use your preferred vinegar.
- For the honey, you can substitute it with another sweetener, like Agave, or Maple Syrup.
- You can either use fresh garlic or garlic powder. Fresh garlic is better in vinaigrettes and salad dressings.
- You can add roasted nuts such as cashews, almonds, or walnuts if you prefer.
- Dried fruits are also great add-ons. Add dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried mango pieces, dried apricot. All those dried fruits are a great options for this pomegranate salad.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published on January 12, 2022. Revised and updated.
