Salads
Rocket, Pear and Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
- - Rocket (arugula) leaves - 100 g (4 cups)
- - Pear, thinly sliced - 1 large
- - Parmesan cheese, shaved - 40 g (1/3 cup)
- - Walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 40 g (1/3 cup)
- - Olive oil - 3 tbsp
- - Balsamic vinegar - 1 tbsp
- - Honey - 1 tsp
- - Salt - 1/4 tsp
- - Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Method
- Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Arrange rocket leaves on a serving platter or in a large bowl.
- Top with sliced pear, shaved parmesan, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.
Introduction: This salad reflects Australia’s modern café culture and strong Italian culinary influence, commonly served at brunch spots and dinner parties.
Cultural Background: This salad reflects Australia’s modern café culture and strong Italian culinary influence, commonly served at brunch spots and dinner parties. It balances peppery rocket (arugula), sweet pear, and salty parmesan — a combination that became especially popular from the 1990s onward as Australian dining embraced fresher, Mediterranean-inspired flavours.
Tips: Slice the pear just before serving to prevent browning, or toss lightly in lemon juice. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin parmesan shavings.
Variations: Substitute pear with fresh figs when in season. Add crumbled feta instead of parmesan for a different flavour profile.
Storage: Best assembled fresh; undressed components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold as a fresh salad.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Carbs: 14 g | Fat: 16 g | Sodium: 260 mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?
A: Prepare the components ahead, but dress and combine just before serving to keep the rocket crisp.
Q: What can I use instead of walnuts?
A: Toasted pecans or pine nuts work well as substitutes.