ARUGULA AND PEAR SALAD WITH MASCARPONE AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Arugula and Pear Salad with Mascarpone and Toasted Walnuts image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup walnuts (3 oz), coarsely chopped
3/4 cup mascarpone cheese (6 oz)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 firm-ripe Bartlett pear
1/2 lb arugula, coarse stems discarded

Steps:

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then toast nuts, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, then sprinkle with salt to taste. Pour oil into a heatproof measuring cup.
Stir half of warm toasted walnuts into mascarpone along with 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Add oil in a slow stream to 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in a bowl, whisking, then whisk in remaining 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cool dressing.
Halve pear lengthwise and remove core (preferably with a melon-ball cutter), then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on 4 plates, to one side, and drizzle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice.
Toss arugula with enough dressing to coat and mound alongside pear. Spoon a dollop of mascarpone mixture onto each plate between salad and pear, then sprinkle salads with remaining toasted walnuts.