Arugula Salad with Pears & Brie
A simple yet elegant salad where peppery arugula meets sweet juicy pears and creamy melted brie. Tossed in a bright lemon honey vinaigrette and topped with crunchy toasted walnuts, every forkful is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the walnuts.
1.Place a dry skillet over medium heat.2.Add walnut halves and toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.3.Remove from heat once fragrant and let cool, then roughly chop.TIPWatch the walnuts closely — they burn in seconds once they start to toast. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lemon honey vinaigrette.
1.Whisk together lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.2.Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is creamy and well combined. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Place arugula in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with half the vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.2.Arrange the dressed arugula on a serving platter or individual plates.3.Nestle sliced pears and brie wedges throughout the arugula.4.Scatter toasted walnuts over the top and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. - serve
Serve the salad right away.
Serve immediately while the pears are crisp and the brie is soft.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use slightly underripe pears for a firmer bite that won't get mushy when tossed.
- 2Taste a pear slice before adding — if it's overly sweet, reduce the honey in the vinaigrette.
- 3Always toast walnuts fresh; stale nuts can ruin the crunchy contrast in this salad.
- 4Wash and thoroughly dry arugula so the vinaigrette clings properly and doesn't water down.
- 5If the brie is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so it softens and slices cleanly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace brie with a soft cashew-based cheese or marinated baked tofu, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add grilled, sliced chicken or seared shrimp on top, and double the walnuts for extra crunch and satiety.
low carb / ketoLow-carb / keto
Replace pears with thinly sliced fennel or apple for crunch without the sugar; omit honey from the dressing and use a sugar-free sweetener.
nut freeNut-free
Swap walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without the allergen.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Leafy Greens
Arugula provides vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate, supporting bone health and immune function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts and olive oil deliver omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Probiotic Support
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese that contains live cultures, which can aid in gut health when consumed in moderation.
Natural Sweetness Without Added Sugar
Ripe pears provide natural sugars and dietary fiber, making this salad a satisfying choice for steady energy.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served immediately, but you can prep components — toast walnuts, slice pears (toss in lemon juice to prevent browning), and whisk the dressing — up to 2 hours ahead.
