Pear & Rocket Salad with Parmesan & Walnuts

Sweet, peppery, crunchy, and restaurant-style fresh

 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Salad

• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 2–3 cups rocket (arugula)
• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Wash and dry the rocket (arugula) and place in a large bowl.
2. Add sliced pears on top.
3. Sprinkle walnuts and Parmesan evenly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
6. Toss gently and serve immediately for best texture.

 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 12 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

✔ Healthy fats
✔ High fiber
✔ Vegetarian
✔ Gluten-free

 Nut Info (Walnuts)

Walnuts benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (supports heart & brain health)
• Good source of protein and fiber
• Helps improve satiety (keeps you full longer)

Allergy note:

• Contains tree nuts (walnuts). Avoid if you have nut allergies.
• Can substitute with almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, but keep dressing separate. Assemble and dress just before eating to avoid sogginess.

Q: What type of pear works best?

A: Bartlett, Anjou, or Conference pears—ripe but still slightly firm for crunch.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes, just skip Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Q: Can I add protein to this salad?

A: Absolutely. Grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas work perfectly.

Q: What if I don’t have rocket (arugula)?

A: Use spinach, mixed greens, or baby kale instead.

Q: Is this good for weight loss?

A: Yes—high fiber, healthy fats, and very filling in small portions.

 Pro Tips

• Toast walnuts lightly for extra flavor
• Add pomegranate seeds for a festive touch
• Use a ripe-but-firm pear for best texture balance

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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