Pear arugula salad with chicken, nuts, and tangy dressing

Pear Arugula Salad with Chicken

January 01, 20261 min read

Bright and refreshing pear arugula salad with tender chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing — perfect for light lunches or nourishing meals that support overall health and vitality.

Ingredients

1 ripe pear, thinly sliced

4 cups fresh arugula

1 cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded

1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), sea salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, sliced pear, cooked chicken, red onion, and toasted nuts.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.

Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Why This Recipe Supports Health

This salad pairs lean protein from chicken with nutrient-dense arugula and fresh pear for a flavorful mix of textures and nutrients. Arugula offers antioxidants and fiber, while the pear adds natural sweetness and additional fiber. Healthy fats from olive oil and nuts help support metabolic balance and satiety, making it a balanced and refreshing choice for whole-person health.

Optional Notes

Substitute grilled turkey or shrimp for the chicken for variation.

Add sliced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of extra sweetness

Nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, thoughtful choices add up.

Dr. Sonia Drouin is a licensed naturopathic doctor and primary care provider who blends evidence-informed natural medicine with conventional care to support whole-person health.

Dr. Sonia Drouin

Dr. Sonia Drouin is a licensed naturopathic doctor and primary care provider who blends evidence-informed natural medicine with conventional care to support whole-person health.

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