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Sweet and savory pear pasta salad with fresh pears, mozzarella, arugula, and creamy yogurt dressing
Isaac blogger

Sweet and Savory Pear Pasta Salad

A sweet and savory pear pasta salad made with tender pasta, fresh pears, mozzarella, arugula, and a creamy yogurt dressing—perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Dressing
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Salad
  • 12 oz short dried pasta
  • 2 firm pears, diced
  • 1 cucumber, deseeded and sliced
  • 8 oz bocconcini
  • 4 oz chopped salami
  • ½ cup pickled red peppers
  • 2 cups baby arugula

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your ingredients and tools as needed. Results may vary depending on your ingredients. Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Do not leave prepared food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  3. Cook Pasta
  4. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, meaning the pasta feels tender but still slightly firm when bitten. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled, then allow excess water to drain completely.
  5. Make Dressing
  6. Blend olive oil, Greek yogurt, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Combine Salad Base
  8. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced pears, cucumber, mozzarella, salami, and pickled red peppers.
  9. Add Dressing and Chill
  10. Toss gently with dressing until evenly coated. Add pears directly to the mixture so they become lightly coated with dressing, which helps slow browning. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
  11. Finish and Serve
  12. Fold in arugula just before serving so it stays crisp. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Notes

  • Cook pasta until al dente; overcooking can cause a soft texture after chilling.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
  • Dice pears just before mixing to preserve color and texture.
  • Keep salad refrigerated until serving and do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and discard if odor or texture changes.