Description
Crisp pear salad brings Mediterranean elegance to your table with delicate arugula, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts. Delightful flavors dance together, promising a refreshing experience that will delight your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Base:
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (or pomemegranate seeds)
Toppings and Cheese:
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/feta)
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl, whisking until the ingredients seamlessly blend into a smooth, glossy dressing.
- Gently wash and pat dry the pears, ensuring no moisture remains on their delicate surface.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice the pears into thin, elegant crescents, maintaining uniform thickness to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Prepare the greens by thoroughly rinsing and spinning them dry, creating a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
- Arrange the verdant greens on a serving platter, creating an inviting foundation for the pear slices.
- Artfully layer the pear crescents atop the greens, positioning them in an overlapping pattern that showcases their natural beauty.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cheese across the salad, allowing it to nestle between the pear slices and greens.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even distribution that will enhance and elevate the flavors of each ingredient.
- Finish by garnishing with toasted nuts, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the dish.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s vibrant texture and temperature.
Notes
- Customize the vinaigrette by adjusting honey levels for desired sweetness, making it perfect for those watching sugar intake.
- Swap balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter, tangier flavor profile that complements the pear’s natural sweetness.
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure crisp texture and prevent mushiness in the salad, allowing clean slicing and better presentation.
- Consider toasting nuts like almonds or walnuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the overall dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg