December 15, 2025 | by EASTON GILOWSKI
As the air turns crisp and cozy meals start to take center stage, this Winter Pear & Arugula Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best flavours. It’s light yet grounding, fresh but comforting — a beautiful balance of peppery greens, sweet pears, toasted walnuts, and a golden balsamic dressing with a subtle functional twist.
Finished with fresh herbs and a touch of sweetness, this salad works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does on a holiday table. The addition of Eversio Wellness Mushroom Blend in the dressing brings gentle earthiness and functional support, seamlessly blending into every bite.
INGREDIENTS
Salad
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
- A few sprigs of fresh oregano
Golden Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- 1–2 tsp Eversio Wellness 5 Mushroom Blend
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, mushroom blend, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully emulsified. Set aside to let the flavours come together.
Toast the walnuts
Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and drizzle with honey. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the produce
Thinly slice the pears and red onion using a sharp knife or mandolin for clean, even slices.
Toss the greens
Add the arugula to a large bowl and drizzle with about half of the dressing. Toss gently until just coated — you’ll add more once plated.
Assemble the salad
Layer the dressed arugula onto a large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the pear slices and red onion on top, then sprinkle over the toasted walnuts, fresh oregano, and pomegranate seeds if using.
Finish & serve
Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy immediately for the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and winter-inspired freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled goat cheese or shaved parmesan for extra creaminess
- Swap pears for apples if that’s what you have on hand
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a cozy soup for a complete meal
