Pear rocket salad is a vibrant, fresh salad that's ready in minutes and only requires a handful of ingredients. It's sweet, tangy, and peppery, topped with fresh Parmesan and candied bacon for extra umami!
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If you're wondering where the name of this salad comes from, it's probably not as exciting as you'd think - no, this is not the salad astronauts eat on their rocket ships (although we can't prove that they don't)! "Rocket salad" is actually just another name for an arugula-based salad, mostly used in the UK.
So, the name may not be as exciting as it initially sounds, but that doesn't mean this salad is boring! Far from it! For such a simple recipe, this pear rocket salad offers beautifully contrasting flavors and texture. The sweetness from the pear and the candied bacon perfectly balance the acidity of the vinaigrette and the pickled onions. And it's gluten-free!
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🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Arugula: Also known as "rocket" or "salad rocket" in the UK, this is the most important ingredient from which rocket salad gets its name.
- Pear: I like to use Bartlett pear, but you can also use Bosc pear, Asian pear, or Anjou pear.
- Parmesan: None of that bottled stuff! It's gotta be freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can use blue cheese
- Pickled red onions: I recommend making your own quick pickled red onions, but you can use store-bought if you prefer.
- Bacon: Regular bacon is fine, but I strongly suggest making your own candied bacon for more of a gourmet experience.
- Optional ingredients: Walnuts, candied pecans, roasted pine nuts, balsamic vinegar glaze.
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: Stone-ground mustard is a great option too.
- Hot honey: Or regular honey. You could even use this elevated hot honey.
- White wine vinegar: Distilled white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon juice also work.
- Olive oil: Or Avocado oil.
- Salt & black pepper
🍐 How To Make Pear Rocket Salad
Step 1: Lay a base of arugula in a salad bowl, then add thinly sliced pear and chopped candied bacon. Top with pickled red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Add olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a small bowl, then whisk until emulsified.
Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over pear rocket salad and enjoy!
🤷🏻♀️ FAQs
What is rocket salad?
Rocket salad is another name for "arugula salad" and is usually topped with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano and a variety of other toppings like pears, nuts, etc.
What dressing goes on a pear rocket salad?
A simple vinaigrette is typical on a pear and rocket salad, usually with balsamic vinegar and/or Dijon mustard.
What is rocket called in the US?
Rocket (the peppery green-leaf vegetable) is known as "arugula" in the United States.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve pear rocket salad alongside fig pizza, oven baked pork chops with potatoes, Traeger smoked chicken drumsticks, air fryer salmon, baked penne pasta, or pretty much any grilled meat! It's also a great side dish for BBQs or alongside Italian dishes.
👩🏻🍳 Pro Tips
- My arugula came pre-washed, but if yours isn't, be sure to rinse it first!
- You can prepare pear rocket salad up to 24 hours ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to slice the pear and add the bacon until you're ready to serve. The vinaigrette should be stored separately.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, but for best texture and flavor, I recommend eating it within 24 hours.
🥗 More Salad Recipes You'll Love
If you love this pear rocket salad recipe, check out these other yummy salads!
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📖 Recipe
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Pear Rocket Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lay a base of arugula in a salad bowl, then add thinly sliced pear and chopped candied bacon. Top with pickled red onions and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a small bowl, then whisk until emulsified.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over pear rocket salad and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- My arugula came pre-washed, but if yours isn't, be sure to rinse it first!
- You can prepare pear rocket salad up to 24 hours ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to slice the pear and add the bacon until you're ready to serve. The vinaigrette should be stored separately.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, but for best texture and flavor, I recommend eating it within 24 hours.
Nena Sterner says
We hope you enjoy this recipe!