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Horizontal image of Horizontal image of two white bowls with shingled fruit and chevre over fresh greens on a wooden table next to a glass of vinaigrette.

Pear and Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette and Creamy Fried Goat Cheese


  • Author: Kelli McGrane
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Bosc pear and arugula salad with creamy fried goat cheese and maple vinaigrette is juicy, sweet, peppery, and perfect for fall.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Cheese:

  • 8 ounces soft goat cheese (such as fresh chèvre)
  • 1/4 cup panko or plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil 

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper 

For the Salad:

  • 1/2 cup whole raw hazelnuts (or nuts of your choice)
  • 8 cups roughly chopped arugula
  • 2 Bosc pears, sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried currants, raisins, or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place hazelnuts on a large baking sheet in a single layer. 
  2. Roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. 
  3. Once cooled, rub skins off of hazelnuts. With a knife or food processor, coarsely chop roasted hazelnuts and set aside.
  4. While hazelnuts are roasting, start making the fried goat cheese by placing breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Cut goat cheese into 8 slices.
  5. Press goat cheese slices into panko to cover both sides. Roll edges in panko as well, until slices are fully covered in breadcrumbs.
  6. Place on a small baking sheet and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  7. While goat cheese slices are in the freezer, assemble salad by placing 2 cups of roughly chopped arugula in each bowl. Top with pear slices, currants, and chopped roasted hazelnuts.
  8. Next, make the dressing by whisking apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Drizzle in olive oil in a thin stream while whisking constantly, until combined. Set aside.
  9. Heat avocado oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add goat cheese slices and fry for 2 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  10. Place two pieces of fried goat cheese on top of each salad, drizzle dressing on top, and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keywords: arugula, salad, maple, goat cheese, pear, hazelnut