Arugula, Pear & Feta Salad

Remember that sad salad you had yesterday? The limp bagged lettuce, the flavorless dressing? Well, fret no more! Today, we're ditching the boring and building a flavor explosion with this Arugula, Pear & Feta Salad.

This isn't your average salad. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, a beautiful dance between sweet, salty, peppery, and tangy. Trust me, after one bite, you'll be wondering why you ever settled for those wilting bags of greens again.

For the longest time, restaurant salads were my FAVE. The vibrant ingredients, the perfect balance of textures, and most importantly, the dressing! Those dressings – bursting with flavor, complementing every bite – were a mystery to me. But why couldn't I have that kind of salad at home every day?

Fueled by this craving, I embarked on a mission to recreate those restaurant-quality salads in my own kitchen. And guess what? The secret weapon? Ditching the bottled dressing! Those pre-made options often fall flat, lacking the depth and vibrancy of a homemade vinaigrette. With fresh ingredients and a little know-how, you can whip up a dressing that elevates your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

This Arugula, Pear & Feta Salad is a testament to that philosophy. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, a beautiful dance between sweet, salty, peppery, and tangy. Trust me, after one bite, you'll be wondering why you ever settled for those wilting bags of greens again. So, let's get started on building your own restaurant-worthy salad experience at home!

The Secret's in the Dressing:

We're starting things off right with a zesty vinaigrette. It's a simple combination of high-quality ingredients that pack a punch.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon coarse-grained Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic (about 3 large cloves)

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• If you like your salad on the sweeter side add a pinch of brown sugar!

Shake it Up:

In a jar or container with a tight lid, combine all vinaigrette ingredients. Give it a good shake and let the flavors meld for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the salad.

Building the Perfect Bite:

Now, for the fun part - assembling the salad!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries

• Aruguala or Arugula + Baby Spinach mix (pictured I used arugula and baby spinach mix - my fave!)

• Feta Cheese

• 1 large pear, thinly sliced

• 1 cup walnuts (or pecans) - toasted or plain

Salad Sensations:

1. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the thinly sliced red onion and dried cranberries.

2. Drizzle with just enough of the prepared vinaigrette to lightly coat the greens, tossing gently to combine.

3. Arrange the beautiful sliced pear over the top of the salad.

4. Sprinkle with the cheese.

5. Finally, add the walnuts (or pecans) for a satisfying crunch.

The Grand Finale:

Give the salad a final gentle toss to ensure everything is well combined, then drizzle with a little more vinaigrette if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

This Arugula, Pear & Feta Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a delightful side dish, or even a fun and healthy appetizer.

This recipe is sure to become your new go-to salad. It's easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something fresh and exciting. Enjoy!