Arugula and Pear Salad - Recipe.com

By daiseyduck

Peppery arugula teams up with creamy Gorgonzola and sweet pears for a beautiful start to a stylish dinner party. Hint: Be sure to cook the pancetta or bacon till crispy.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ounces pancetta or 3 slices bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 medium firm, ripe pears (such as Anjou or Bosc), cored and thinly sliced
• 1 5-ounce package arugula or baby arugula (about 7 cups)
• 6 very thin slices red onion, separated into rings
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 ounce Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Details

Servings 6
Cooking time 25mins
Adapted from recipe.com

Preparation

Step 1

1.

For dressing, in a screw-top jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Cover and shake well. Set aside.

2.

In a large skillet, cook pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove from skillet; drain on paper towels. Set aside. Add pear slices to drippings in skillet; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.

3.

In a very large bowl, combine arugula, onion slices, and dressing. Gently toss to coat with dressing.

4.

Divide arugula mixture among six salad plates. Arrange pears on top. Sprinkle with pancetta, pine nuts, and Gorgonzola cheese. If desired, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Makes 6 side-dish servings.