This vibrant and flavorful salad is the perfect way to tantalize your taste buds while nourishing your body. At the base is a bed of delicate baby rocket (arugula) leaves, renowned for their peppery, slightly bitter flavour profile. Rocket is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, making it an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Sliced lengthwise, juicy winter Nelis pears crown the salad, their natural sweetness contrasting the rocket’s bold taste. Pears are a rich source of fibre, vitamin C, and the antioxidant vitamin K, making them a nutritious addition to this salad.
Walnuts add a welcome crunch and a boost of healthy fats. Walnuts are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support heart health and cognitive function. Their earthy, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
To finish, vibrant ruby-red pomegranate arils are sprinkled throughout, contributing a pop of colour and a burst of sweet-tart flavour. Pomegranates are renowned for their high antioxidant content, which can help combat inflammation and oxidative stress within the body.
The salad is dressed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette, made with tangy balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. This light dressing allows the natural flavours of the greens, fruit, and nuts to shine.
This baby rocket and pear salad is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Enjoy it as a refreshing starter, or pair it with your favourite dish for a complete and satisfying plant-based meal. This salad’s vibrant colours, textures, and flavours make it a delight for the senses.

Baby Rocket and Pear Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 120g bag baby rocket
- 2 winter nelis pears cored and sliced lengthways thinly
- ½ cup walnuts diced
- ½ pomagranate
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Start with the dressing, place all ingredients in a jug and whisk with a fork to combine. Place into fridge while salad is prepared. The dressing can keep for a week in the fridge in a sealed container.
- This salad should be served fresh and chilled. In a large salad bowl, place the rocket, walnut and pomegranate. Drizzle a small amount of balsamic dressing over that salad. Then, place down the pear. Placing the pear before the dressing is added (as I learned) affects the sweet taste of the pear.