Happy Holidays and Happy National Pear Month! Jacqueline Soule here this first Friday of the month here to help you celebrate #PearMonth.

Tis’ the season where there are pot lucks and holiday parties galore. Celebrate with this light, easy, and refreshing salad to take to a party or maybe just enjoy and home in the evening after over-indulging at lunch.

Pear and Arugula Salad

First of all, when it comes to traditional pear and cheese pairings – I skip the whole blue cheese (or Gorgonzola) thing. Some nice crumbly Sonoran white cheese for me – or maybe Feta if I have to.

Second, the sweet juiciness of pears pairs nicely with a tangy salad green like arugula or maybe mizuna if you are growing some.

Third, to my mouth, a soft fruit is complimented nicely with the crunch of a nut. I often use pecans because they are a local nut, but walnuts work well too.

Ingredients

5 to 6 cups tangy greens, like arugula, mizuna, spinach if you have to

2 pears – fresh or canned, slice thinly.
If fresh, squeeze some lemon juice over them to keep them from browning.

8 ounces soft crumbly cheese

1/2 cup toasted nuts, lightly crumbled

Dressing
olive or avocado oil
balsalmic vinegar
touch of salt if desired

Combine greens, pears and nuts in a bowl. Dress the salad, Top salad with cheese crumbles.

Add some pickled beets too for color and taste!

Want to learn more? Like how to grow pears, arugula, and mizuna? Look for my free lectures at your local Pima County Library branch, Tubac Presidio, Tucson Festival of Books and other venues. After each event I will be signing copies of my books, including Southwest Fruit and Vegetable Gardening (Cool Springs Press, $23) – a book that includes how to grow all of these plants.  Note – that link to my book will take you to Amazon and I will get a few pennies if you buy my book.  You can also go to Antigone Book Store on 4th Ave.
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