If you're anything like me - juggling school lunches, kids sport and dinner plans - you need recipes that feel special but only take minutes to whip up. This Pear and Rocket Salad ticks all those boxes: sweet, peppery, crunchy and utterly delicious, whether it's a busy weekday side, a BBQ champion, or a light lunch.
It's a reglar fixture at my table, alongside other crowd-pleasers like my Halloumi and Zucchini Fritters and Roast Pumpkin, Feta and Caramelised Onion Tart - all perfect for quick get-togethers.
This simple salad celebrates texture and flavour: crisp fresh pears, peppery rocket (arugula), nutty toasted walnuts and savoury parmesan - all brought together with a little balsamic sweetness. This recipe focuses on balance - with flavour tips, ingredient swaps and clear steps - so it's made with ease.
For more fresh and nutritious salad inspiration, be sure to try my much-loved Cypriot Grain Salad, or give yourself an extra boost with the Jennifer Aniston Salad too!
I had this yesterday courtesy of my sister-in-law. So with her tick of approval and the fabulous texture, crunch and flavour, this recipe is now in my favourites. Thanks so much!
- Sandi
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes - perfect for busy mums and unexpected guests.
- Minimal ingredients, max flavour - no complicated steps or weird pantry items needed.
- Sweet meets savoury magic - juicy pear with the peppery zip of rocket, salty parmesan and sweet balsamic.
- Super versatile - change up to suit your tastes, and serve as a side, lunch or light dinner with added protein.
- Totally crowd-friendly - easy to double for parties, BBQs or school lunches.
Jump to:
Pear And Rocket Salad Ingredients
You only need five simple ingredients to make this fresh, flavour-packed salad with maximum taste and minimal effort.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Rocket (Arugula) - look for bright green leaves, washed and crisp.
- Firm Pears - Packham, Corella, Asian or Bosc all work brilliantly - no need to peel, just core and slice thinly.
- Walnuts - lightly toast them first to amp up the flavour and crunch; it makes all the difference.
- Shaved Parmesan - grab pre-shaved if you're short on time, or use a block of parmeasn and a peeler to shave your own.
- Balsamic Glaze - sweeter and thicker than regular vinegar, prevents greens from going soggy like balsamic vinegar does.
Variations
Mix things up depending on mood or dietary needs:
- GF & Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with roasted pepitas or sunflower seeds.
- Add Protein: Sliced grilled chicken or lamb, or pan-seared salmon makes it a full meal.
- Change Greens: Swap rocket for fresh baby spinach leaves.
- Cheesy Swap: Use crumbled feta or blue cheese for tangy richness.
- Autumn Twist: Sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for colour and sweetness.
How To Make Pear & Rocket Salad
Make this gorgeous salad in just a few steps:
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Prepare the base: Lay washed and well drained rocket in a large serving bowl.
- Top with thinly sliced pears.
- Sprinkle over the shaved parmesan cheese.
- Scatter lightly toasted walnuts across the top.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over just before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper, toss gently and serve!
Recipe Tips
- Walnut toasting: Toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant - it boosts taste and texture.
- Keep it crisp: Add dressing just before serving to stop the rocket wilting.
- Prevent browning: Toss pear slices in a splash of lemon juice if prepping ahead.
- Storage: Store leftovers without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable to freeze - enjoy fresh!
- Serving idea: Pair with crusty bread or crisp prosciutto for extra flair.
Pear & Rocket Salad FAQ's
Choose firm pears that hold their shape - Packham, Corella, Asian or Bosc are all winners
Yes! Baby spinach or lamb's lettuce works for a milder bite than rocket.
You can use a homemade balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing, or a light honey vinaigrette, if you prefer.
Serve with grilled chicken or lamb, or crispy pan fried salmon, for a substanial main meal.
To keep it vegetarian, add roasted chickpeas for protein.
More Flavour Packed Salad Recipes
Check out some more of my favourite salad recipes:
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Walnut, Parmesan, Pear & Rocket Salad
Ingredients
- 120 g rocket (argula)
- 2 small pears cored and thinly sliced, see notes
- 120 g (1 cup) walnuts lightly toasted
- 40 g (½ cup) shaved parmesan cheese
- 2 tbs balsamic glaze see notes
Instructions
- Layer the rocket, pear, parmesan and walnuts into a large serving dish or bowl.
- Drizzle over the balsamic glaze just before serving and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Walnut toasting - toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant - it boosts taste and crunch factor.
- Parmesan - use a block of parmesan and shave your own, or buy pre-shaved parmesan for convenience.
- Use a firm variety of pear - such as packham, corella, Asian pear or bosc. No need to peel, simply core and cut into thin slices.
- Keep it crisp: Add dressing just before serving to stop the rocket wilting.
- Prevent browning: Toss pear slices in a splash of lemon juice if prepping ahead.
- Storage: Store leftovers without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable to freeze - enjoy fresh!
- Serving idea: Serve with crusty bread or crisp prosciutto for extra flair.
Sarah Morrison says
I've been making this salad for YEARS it's so good! Even better with red onion and a bunch of salt and pepper yummmmm.
Lucy says
Oooh yum!
Jeanette says
Delicious !
Sandi says
I had this yesterday courtesy of my dietician sister-in-law. So with her tick of approval and the fabulous texture, crunch and flavour, this recipe is now in my favourites. Thanks.
Lucy says
Oh that's so fantastic to hear!!
Anita barker says
Loved this salad!!!!! Perfect for Australiaan Xmas lunch
Lucy says
Fantastic!