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    Home » Recipes » Salads & Sides » Walnut, Parmesan, Pear and Rocket Salad

    Walnut, Parmesan, Pear and Rocket Salad

    Published: Nov 11, 2020 · Modified: Dec 30, 2021 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of an arugula salad with pear, rocket and parmesan.

    The famous Walnut, Parmesan, Pear and Rocket Salad recipe drizzled with balsamic vinegar is the perfect summer salad! Bursting with sweet, nutty and fresh flavours and ready in less than 10 minutes.

    An overhead shot of a salad made with pear, rocket, walnuts and parmesan.

    Kick boring old salads to the curb... because this healthy recipe is absolutely PACKED with flavour, is loved by everyone and is super quick and easy to make (with just 5 ingredients!)

    Whether you're in need of a healthy side dish, a light main meal or you're bringing a dish to a celebration or party - this pear and rocket salad with parmesan, walnuts and balsamic is absolutely perfect.

    The Best Summer Salad Recipe

    This simple salad has SO MUCH going for it! It's light, fresh, healthy and perfect for any occasion.

    Here's why you're going to love it:

    • great for BBQs and parties - this pear and rocket salad is the ultimate side dish at summer BBQ's or get-togethers.
    • a healthy side dish - serve this with your favourite grilled meats or fish for a delicious meal.
    • versatile - it's so easy to change this recipe up to suit your tastes! See my tips below for ingredient substitutions (including my favourite blue cheese option!)
    • perfect combination of flavours - think sweet, tangy, nutty, and crunchy! This salad has it all!
    • ready in less than 10 minutes - this easy summer salad can be thrown together at the last minute (great for when unexpected guests arrive)
    • 5 ingredients - forget about complicated recipes... 5 ingredients is all you need to make this healthy salad
    • most popular - there's no doubt that this pear salad is one of the most popular salad recipes around right now. Do yourself a favour and make it for your next BBQ!
    A bowl of fresh salad with walnuts, pear, rocket, parmesan and a balsamic glaze.

    What You Need

    Just 5 ingredients!

    Note: please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    The ingredients for pear and rocket salad with parmesan, walnuts and parmesan glaze.
    • rocket - also known as arugula, roquette or rucula. This gives the salad an incredible peppery, fresh flavour.
    • pear - use a firm variety of pear - such as packham, corella, Asian pear or bosc. There's no need to peel the pear before using. Simply cut into thin slices and remove the core.
    • parmesan - I recommend using shaved parmesan (flat, thin pieces of parmesan cheese). You can buy pre-shaved parmesan from the supermarket or shave your own.
    • walnuts - lightly toast the walnuts before adding to the salad. This brings out their ultimate crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
    • balsamic glaze - personally I like using balsamic glaze (that you can buy in the dressing aisle of the supermarket). It's a sweet, thick and sticky liquid that is great for this salad. It gives the salad the perfect amount of flavour but without any soggyness (which can happen when using balsamic vinegar and olive oil).

    How To Make Pear & Rocket Salad

    A delicious and fresh pear and rocket salad is awaiting you in just a few simple steps.

    Note: please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    Place the rocket (arugula) into a large serving bowl

    A bowl of fresh rocket.

    Top with thin slices of pear

    A bowl of rocket and sliced pears.

    Sprinkle over the shaved parmesan cheese

    Pear, parmesan and rocket in a bowl.

    Add the lightly toasted walnuts

    Walnuts, pear, parmesan and rocket in a bowl.

    Drizzle over balsamic glaze (or see substitutes below)

    Balsamic glaze being poured over a bowl of pear and rocket salad.

    Serve

    Balsamic vinegar drizzled over walnuts, pear, parmesan and rocket in a bowl.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    This easy salad recipe is so versatile.

    Feel free to change the ingredients to suit your tastebuds and preferences.

    Here's a few of my favourite variations:

    • rocket - substitute with baby spinach leaves
    • pear - substitute with thinly sliced apple
    • parmesan - substitute with blue cheese (my favourite!!!) or feta
    • walnuts - omit for a nut-free version or substitute with toasted pine nuts
    • balsamic glaze - substitute with a dressing made from ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbs balsamic vinegar mixed together. Alternatively a light honey vinaigrette can be used.
    A close up overhead shot of balsamic glaze over a pear, rocket and parmesan salad sprinkled with walnuts.

    Pear & Rocket Salad Recipe FAQ

    How long will this salad last?

    This salad is best consumed on the day it is prepared, however, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you're not serving it immediately, leave the dressing off until just before serving.

    Is rocket the same as arugula?

    Yes it is! It can also be known as roquette or rucula.

    What would you serve with this salad?

    It's delicious on it's own - or serve it with your favourite grilled meats or seafood.

    Why do you recommend using balsamic glaze instead of balsamic dressing?

    You can use either - however, I prefer to use balsamic glaze as it gives the salad a delicious flavour but without making the rocket and pear soggy (as can happen with dressing).

    Can I change the ingredients?

    Yes absolutely! See my ingredient substitution ideas above.

    Rocket, pear and walnut salad served on a white plate.

    More Healthy Salad Recipes

    Salads certainly don't have to be boring!

    Check out some of my favourite flavour-packed salad recipes:

    • Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo
    • Roast Vegetable Couscous Salad
    • Creamy Bacon, Egg & Potato Salad
    • Cypriot Grain Salad | Chef Recipe
    A forkful of rocket salad with pear, walnuts and parmesan.

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    Arugula, pear and walnuts on a plate.

    Walnut, Parmesan, Pear & Rocket Salad

    The famous Walnut, Parmesan, Pear and Rocket Salad recipe drizzled with balsamic vinegar is the perfect summer salad! Bursting with sweet, nutty and fresh flavours and ready in less than 10 minutes.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salads
    Cuisine: western
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 6 serves
    Calories: 211kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 120 g rocket
    • 2 small pears cored and thinly sliced
    • 1 cup walnuts lightly toasted
    • 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

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Ingredients Info: 
    • rocket – also known as arugula, roquette or rucula. This gives the salad an incredible peppery, fresh flavour.
    • pear – use a firm variety of pear – such as packham, corella, Asian pear or bosc. There’s no need to peel the pear before using. Simply cut into thin slices and remove the core.
    • parmesan – I recommend using shaved parmesan (flat, thin pieces of parmesan cheese). You can buy pre-shaved parmesan in a bag from the supermarket or shave your own.
    • walnuts – lightly toast the walnuts before adding to the salad. This brings out their ultimate crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
    • balsamic glaze – personally I like using balsamic glaze (that you can buy in the dressing aisle of the supermarket). It’s a sweet, thick and sticky liquid that is great for this salad. It gives the salad the perfect amount of flavour but without any soggyness (which can happen when using balsamic vinegar and olive oil).
     
    More Recipe Tips:
    Storing - This salad is best consumed on the day it is prepared, however, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you’re not serving it immediately, leave the dressing off until just before serving.
    Ingredient substitutions - this salad is so versatile. See my substitution suggestions in the recipe post above.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 562IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sandi

      December 26, 2021 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Lucy

        December 27, 2021 at 9:07 am

        Oh that's so fantastic to hear!!

        Reply
    2. Anita barker

      December 24, 2021 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this salad!!!!! Perfect for Australiaan Xmas lunch

      Reply
      • Lucy

        December 26, 2021 at 9:22 am

        Fantastic!

        Reply

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