Description
A fresh and vibrant Pear Walnut Salad featuring mixed greens, ripe pears, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or your choice)
- 2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou, thinly sliced)
- 1 cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 4 oz blue cheese (crumbled, or goat cheese/feta as alternatives)
- Optional: 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds for garnish
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts: Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare Greens: Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl.
- Slice Pears: Core and thinly slice the pears. If not serving immediately, toss the slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the sliced pears and toasted walnuts to the salad greens in the bowl.
- Add Cheese: Crumble the blue cheese (or your choice of goat cheese/feta) over the salad.
- Toss Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Pear Walnut Salad!
Notes
- To prevent the pears from browning if preparing ahead, toss them in lemon juice.
- Feel free to substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crispness of greens and texture.
