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Arugula, Pear and Cherry Salad with Chocolate-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Name: Arugula, Pear and Cherry Salad with Chocolate-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings salad, ¾ cup vinaigrette
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Â¼ cup dark chocolate chips; Â¼ cup olive oil; Â¼ cup balsamic vinegar; â teaspoon salt; â teaspoon pepper; 4 cups arugula; 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 medium pears, unpeeled and diced into Â½-inch cubes; Â½ cup dried cherries; Â¼ cup pecans, chopped; Â¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled

You might not expect to find chocolate in a salad, but bittersweet dark chocolate pairs perfectly with sweet fruits and peppery arugula in an Arugula, Pear and Cherry Salad with Chocolate-Balsamic Vinaigrette. Finish off this flavorful salad with chopped pecans for crunch and tangy crumbled goat cheese.

Jessi Heggan

Print Recipe

Makes: 4 servings salad, ¾ cup vinaigrette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Created By: Jodie Shield
Featured In: North Carolina Field & Family

Ingredients

Vinaigrette:

¼ cup dark chocolate chips
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper

Salad:

4 cups arugula
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 medium pears, unpeeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
½ cup dried cherries
¼ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Place chocolate chips in a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl and cook at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir until the bowl no longer feels warm, then continue microwaving at 50% power in 15-second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add remaining vinaigrette ingredients to the bowl of melted chocolate and whisk until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
Divide the arugula and mint evenly between 4 salad bowls. Top each salad with diced pears, dried cherries, pecans and goat cheese.
Drizzle desired amount of vinaigrette over each salad and serve immediately.

Tips & Notes

Store extra vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reduce thickness, let it come to room temperature or warm it in the microwave before using.