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.
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!
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.
- 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
Top with thin slices of pear
Sprinkle over the shaved parmesan cheese
Add the lightly toasted walnuts
Drizzle over balsamic glaze (or see substitutes below)
Serve
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.
Pear & Rocket Salad Recipe FAQ
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.
Yes it is! It can also be known as roquette or rucula.
It's delicious on it's own - or serve it with your favourite grilled meats or seafood.
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).
Yes absolutely! See my ingredient substitution ideas above.
More Healthy Salad Recipes
Salads certainly don't have to be boring!
Check out some of my favourite flavour-packed salad recipes:
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.
Walnut, Parmesan, Pear & Rocket Salad
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
- 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).
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!