Pear, Arugula, and Pancetta Salad

Name: Pear, Arugula, and Pancetta Salad
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar; 1 tablespoon mild honey; 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 ounce thinly sliced pancetta (4 to 5 slices); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 firm-ripe pears; 4 cups baby arugula or torn larger arugula (1 1/4 pounds); 3 ounces ricotta salata, thinly shaved with a vegetable peeler

November 7, 2012

Let’s be clear: If you’re hosting the dinner party to end all dinner parties—Grandma’s good china is out of storage, the napkins have been ironed, and you’re polishing the silver—this is the ultimate first course. At first glance it may resemble a basic pear-and-arugula salad, but look closer and you’ll find that everything about it is just a little bit special, from the Champagne vinaigrette, to the creamy, salty ricotta salata, to the rich and savory pancetta. The ingredients do cost a little more, but it’s worth it.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

FOR VINAIGRETTE

1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar

1 tablespoon mild honey

1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

FOR SALAD

2 ounce thinly sliced pancetta (4 to 5 slices)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 firm-ripe pears

4 cups baby arugula or torn larger arugula (1 1/4 pounds)

3 ounces ricotta salata, thinly shaved with a vegetable peeler

Preparation

MAKE VINAIGRETTE
Step 1
Whisk together the vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a salad bowl. Add the oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well.
MAKE SALAD
Step 2
Cook the pancetta in the oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, turning frequently, until just crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain (pancetta will crisp as it cools). Tear into bite-size pieces.
Step 3
Halve the pears lengthwise, core, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Step 4
Add the pears to the dressing along with arugula, cheese, and pancetta, tossing to coat.

The Epicurious Cookbook

TagsSalad Pancetta Cured Meat Meat Pear Fruit Arugula Leafy Greens Vegetable Ricotta Salata Ricotta Cheese Dairy Side Dinner Gluten Free Nut Free Quick Easy Epicurious Cookbooks

Recipe information

Ingredients

FOR VINAIGRETTE

FOR SALAD

Preparation

MAKE VINAIGRETTE

Step 1

MAKE SALAD

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Recipe notes