Description
Classic French pear salad showcases delicate flavors from Provence. Crisp greens, caramelized pears, and tangy goat cheese create a harmonious blend you will savor with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/feta)
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Vinaigrette Preparation: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until a smooth, glossy dressing forms.
- Pear and Greens Preparation: Wash and dry pears, slice into thin crescents, and rinse greens thoroughly, spinning them dry to create a crisp base.
- Salad Composition: Spread greens on a serving platter, layer pear slices in an overlapping pattern, and scatter crumbled cheese throughout the arrangement.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle vinaigrette evenly across the salad, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated, then sprinkle toasted nuts for added texture and depth.
- Serving: Present the salad immediately to maintain its fresh, vibrant character and optimal temperature.
Notes
- Choose Ripe Pears: Select pears that are firm yet slightly soft when gently pressed, ensuring optimal flavor and texture without bruising or being too hard.
- Prevent Browning: Toss pear slices with a splash of lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain their fresh, appetizing appearance.
- Customize Vinaigrette: Adjust the honey and Dijon mustard ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess, creating a personalized dressing that complements the pears’ natural flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to enhance the vinaigrette’s complexity and preserve the greens’ crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg