Insalata di rucola e pera

Rocket and Pear Salad

(serves 4)

This standard Italian salad is about as simple as salads get; 4 ingredients, olive oil and balsamic dressing. Yet, the simple things in life are the best. This is a great combination of juxtaposing (got to love that word) flavours and textures: bitter rocket with sweet pear, soft avocado with crunchy cherry tomatoes. The key is to be generous with the olive oil, salt and pepper to soften up and coat the rocket. This salad is often served with Parmesan too, but can be cut out if trying to keep it light!

Prep time: 5 min
Assembly: 5 min

Ingredients:
150g rocket leaves
1/2 punnet (100g) cherry tomatoes
1 avocado
1 pear, ripe but firm

Dressing:
Olive oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and pepper

Method:
1. Dress the rocket in olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar and place in a large bowl.
2. Cut the pear into thin slices and place on top.
3. Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes into half and add to the salad bowl.
4. Cut the avocado into half, then cut each half into small squares, then spoon out the avocado.

N.B. The avocado is more flavoursome and less likely to fall apart if you dress it with olive oil, salt and pepper in a separate bowl before adding to the rest of the salad. But, if you can't be bothered, then don't worry about it.
5. Dress the salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Perfect side to any pasta dish!