Luscious Grilled Pear Arugula Salad Recipe

Difficulty:

1/5

Serves:

8 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

25 minutes

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Grilled Pear Arugula Salad Recipe

This grilled pear arugula salad recipe combines sweet, caramelized pears, peppery arugula, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy Cambozola cheese with a tangy honey-sherry vinaigrette. Featured on License to Grill with host Rob Rainford, this elegant yet easy salad brings together fresh ingredients and deliciously balanced flavours, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, and special occasions.

The Inspiration

Grilled fruit salads are a wonderful way to explore the natural sweetness of seasonal produce while creating delicious combinations of savoury, tangy, and fresh flavours. This grilled pear arugula salad recipe draws inspiration from European culinary traditions, where fresh fruits, leafy greens, artisan cheeses, and nuts are often combined to create elegant and satisfying dishes.

On License to Grill, host Rob Rainford celebrates the versatility of outdoor cooking by demonstrating how the barbecue can transform everyday ingredients into exciting dishes. While grilling is often associated with steaks, chicken, and seafood, this recipe shows how fresh fruit can also benefit from the smoky flavours and gentle caramelization of the grill.

Ingredients

Salad

3 pears, quartered with seeds and cores removed
1 cup of walnuts, toasted (250ml)
3 tablespoons of honey (45ml)
1 teaspoon of ground pepper (5ml)
2 cups of Arugula, cleaned with stems removed (500 ml)
¼ cup of Radicchio, cleaned and chopped ( 62ml)
1 cup of red lettuce, cleaned and torn (250ml)
¼ pound Cambozola Cheese cut into 1 inch thick strips

Dressing

2 tablespoons of walnut oil (30ml)
6 tablespoons of sherry vinegar (90ml)
2 tablespoon of honey (15ml)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat grill to medium heat
Toss pears in syrup and place on the grill until golden brown on both sides.
Combine the dressing ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Place arugula into a bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Toss. Add toasted walnuts, cheese and grill pears.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic backyard barbecue, serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, juicy steaks, pork chops, or herb-marinated lamb. The sweetness of the caramelized pears complements the smoky flavour of grilled meats, while the tangy honey-sherry vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. Complete the meal with grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or seasonal vegetables for a satisfying and colourful barbecue spread.

For a vegetarian-inspired meal, pair the salad with grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted vegetables, warm crusty bread, or a simple grain-based dish. The combination of fresh fruit, leafy greens, cheese, and walnuts makes the salad satisfying enough to serve as part of a light lunch or Mediterranean-inspired menu. When preparing it for vegetarian guests, choose a suitable cheese made without animal-derived rennet.

For holiday gatherings, the combination of pears, walnuts, and creamy cheese offers flavours that complement festive meals. Serve the salad alongside roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, or other holiday favourites. The tangy vinaigrette helps balance richer dishes, making this salad a refreshing addition to a larger menu.

Final Thoughts

This grilled pear arugula salad recipe is a wonderful celebration of fresh ingredients, creative grilling techniques, and beautifully balanced flavours. Combining honey-glazed grilled pears with peppery arugula, crisp radicchio, toasted walnuts, and creamy Cambozola cheese creates an elegant salad that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!