Pear & Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts

5.0
(2)
2 Reviews

This pear and arugula salad recipe is topped with homemade candied walnuts, which are incredibly easy to make in the oven. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of ground chipotle or cayenne to the walnuts before baking.

By
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
3758836.jpg
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Dairy-Free Low-Sodium High-Fiber Heart-Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Candied Walnuts

  • 1 cup walnut halves

  • 4 teaspoons water

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Salad

  • 1 large clove garlic, minced

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons walnut oil

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 8 cups baby arugula

  • 2 firm ripe red pears, sliced

Directions

  1. To prepare walnuts: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper; coat with cooking spray.

  2. Toss walnuts with water in a bowl. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and salt; toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared pan. Bake until the sugar is melted and the nuts are just starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool in the pan until the sugar hardens, about 10 minutes.

  3. To prepare salad: Mash garlic and salt into a paste in a mortar and pestle or with the side of a knife on a cutting board. Transfer to a large bowl and whisk in oil, mustard, vinegar and pepper. Add arugula, pears and the walnuts; toss to coat.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare walnuts (Steps 1-2) and let cool completely; store airtight for up to 1 day.

Equipment: Parchment paper

The candied walnuts in this salad are also a great topping for pumpkin pie or oatmeal. If you're making a big batch, be sure to use a larger baking pan so they aren't crowded.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2014

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

209 Calories
16g Fat
17g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/3 cups
Calories 209
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 11g
Added Sugars 4g 8%
Protein 4g 7%
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Vitamin A 652IU 13%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Folate 46mcg 12%
Sodium 236mg 10%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 44mg 10%
Potassium 251mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles

8527052.jpg
Winter Salad with Toasted Walnuts
20 mins
3994519.jpg
Simple Green Salad with Citronette
15 mins
4027937.jpg
Apple, Fig & Brussels Sprouts Salad
15 mins
3755696.jpg
Spinach, Avocado & Mango Salad
20 mins
3842535.jpg
Orange & Avocado Salad
25 mins
Use a Spoon Chopped Salad
"Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad
35 mins
Oven-Roasted Squash with Garlic & Parsley
Oven-Roasted Squash with Garlic & Parsley
1 hr
3757239.jpg
Lemon-Herb Roasted Beets
30 mins
lemon dill green beans
Lemon-Dill Green Beans
25 mins
Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing
Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing
20 mins
3757574.jpg
Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole
1 hr 15 mins
4572436.jpg
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
1 hr
Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad
Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad
20 mins
4027920.jpg
Wilted Kale with Warm Shallot Dressing
40 mins
3759269.jpg
Quinoa-Stuffed Delicata Squash
1 hr 15 mins
overhead shot of colorful cubed beet salad on a white plate
Beet Salad
1 hr 45 mins