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This Pear and Rocket Salad a wonderful, easy salad made with toasted pumpkin seeds, radish, and maple vinaigrette. Top with goat cheese if you’d like or leave it vegan, it’s a delicious side salad for any time of year.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a salad recipe and that’s probably because I assume that no one actually needs a recipe for salad. You just throw everything in a bowl and secretly wish it actually tasted like cookies. What I sometimes fail to realize is that there’s a bit of magic in a really good salad.
Not the kind of salad that’s just an afterthought where you hurry through it just to get some greens in, but one that makes you want to go back for seconds. With peppery arugula, toasted pepitas, and sweet pears that compliment each other beautifully, this is that salad.
What is Rocket?
Rocket is actually another word for arugula, typically used over in Europe, but it is interchangeable. It’s a type of leafy vegetable that is more peppery in flavor. Generally you’d find it in a spring mix, but it’s often sold on it’s own and is the perfect pairing for topping on pizzas, or making a different kind of salad – like this rocket and pear salad! The herbaceous flavor compliments pears very nicely!
Salad Ingredients
I’ll admit, this rocket pear salad came to be from a need to clean out the refrigerator a bit, but it just works! You’ll need:
- A 5oz box of rocket/arugula.
- Watermelon radish (these are greenish-white aka super boring on the outside, but a gorgeous, bright pink on the inside) or regular red radish.
- Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- 1-2 pears. Most types of pears will work well for this salad. You could even substitute apples. I went with Comice pears from Harry and David, but Bartlett would be good too. Go with whatever your personal favorite is!
- Pantry staples – olive oil, dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
You can leave this recipe totally vegan as is, or add a little bit of crumbled goat cheese, which would be fantastic with the pears and maple dressing.
Maple Vinaigrette
I’ve made this maple vinaigrette dressing a few times, with dijon, with whole grain, and a combination of the two. This pear arugula salad is quite delicious with both options. Some of my favorite mustard brands include.
Annie’s Dijon (No sulfites or wine)
Brad’s Organic (No sodium)
Pommery Meaux (This one is for when you feel fancy – we ate it often on our trip to Burgundy.)
Like any salad dressing, using really good olive oil can make a huge difference. Look for brands with the olive and the processing in the same country, as well as a dark bottle!
How to Make a Rocket and Pear Salad
You can make this rocket pear salad in just a few easy steps!
Step 1: Add rocket to a large bowl. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas and fresh radish, if using. Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the maple dressing, whisking till smooth.
Step 2: Slice the pear. Use a sharp knife to cut the pear in half, around the core. Then place flat side down on a cutting board and carefully slice the pear into thin pieces.
Step 3: Toss with dressing. This can be done either way. For a pretty presentation, toss the rocket with the dressing and then sprinkle all the toppings on top. Or just toss everything together. Use salad tongs or large spoons to do this! Sprinkle with fresh black pepper before serving.
Make Ahead Instructions
This salad is best eaten fresh, especially after being tossed with dressing. If you’re planning to make ahead for a party, keep the dressing and salad separate. Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Pear tends to brown if you cut it ahead. It’s still totally fine to consume, but if you want a pretty presentation, wait to cut the pear until ready to serve as well. Before adding the dressing, this will store for 2 days, covered, in the fridge.
Substitutions and Additions
- Rocket – Substitute with spinach or baby kale leaves.
- Maple vinaigrette – substitute with any vinaigrette you like.
- Radish – Substitute with jicama, or leave out.
- Pepitas – These can be replaced with roasted sunflower seeds.
- Goat cheese would be the best cheese addition for this rocket pear salad recipe.
- Grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes rocket and arugula are the same thing, just called different names across the world! It also goes by rucola and roquette.
I recommend a sweeter pear like Bosc, Anjou or Comice. Asian pears tend to be more firm and less sweet, but it could also work for this salad too.
This salad would go well with a lot of dishes, but a few suggestions would be a cozy dutch oven pot roast, shrimp stuffed salmon, or grilled chicken. For a vegetarian meal, I recommend pairing with my Boursin pasta for the most delicious combination!
Rocket Recipes
For more recipes that use rocket or arugula, check out these posts.
Vegetarian
Goat Cheese Sandwich with Veggies
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Pear and Rocket Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 5oz package of fresh arugula
- 1 watermelon radish, washed and roots trimmed, chopped small, * If you can’t find a watermelon radish, red radishes would be fine.
- 1 pear – royal riviera or comice are preferred, sliced
- 1/4 cup lightly toasted pepitas
Maple Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 small clove of garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 teaspoons whole grain or dijon mustard
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To lightly toast your pepitas, warm a clean pan (no oil) over medium low heat. Add pepitas and toast, stirring occasionally for roughly 3-5 minutes. Check often to make sure they do not burn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the salad dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust for more salt and pepper. In a large bowl, add the fresh arugula and toss with as much dressing as you’d like (there might be a bit leftover for a future salad). Add pears, pepitas, and radish to the top.
- *If not ready to serve immediately, store the salad, undressed and covered, in the fridge. Pears will brown after a while, so cut those right before serving.
Notes
- A bit of fresh goat cheese/chevre would be really lovely with this salad as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a go to salad for me. I love it!
I love this salad! It’s my new favorite. The dressing is easy to make and is perfect with arugula.