This salad is a harmonious combination of sweet, smoky, and peppery notes that will leave you craving another bite. The juicy grilled pears add a caramelized touch to the peppery arugula, while the mozzarella pearls provide a delightful creaminess that ties it all together. Topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Let’s get started!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 20-21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 pears, ripe but firm
4 cups arugula
1 cup mozzarella pearls
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Olive oil, for grilling
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Slice the pears lengthwise and remove the core. Brush the pear slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the pear slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the pears are slightly softened. Remove from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, mozzarella pearls, and chopped walnuts.
Cut the grilled pear slices into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl.
Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve the salad immediately.

Notes

Choose pears that are slightly firm and not overly ripe, as they will hold their shape better on the grill. Feel free to substitute the mozzarella pearls with fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small pieces. Add a handful of dried cranberries or fresh berries for a touch of sweetness and color to the salad. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch. For extra richness, you can drizzle the salad with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil or sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese on top. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.