Pear Salad
The pear salad: a delightful fusion of crisp pears, fresh greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts, all brought together with a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette. This simple yet elegant dish embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing burst of sweetness and savory richness in every bite. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, the pear salad promises to tantalize the taste buds and elevate any dining experience to new heights.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears (cored and thinly sliced)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or mixed baby greens)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate arils (optional)
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly.
- Core the pears and thinly slice them. If desired, you can leave the skin on for added texture and color.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
- Scatter the sliced pears evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries (if using) over the salad.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Toss the salad gently to evenly distribute the ingredients and coat them with the dressing.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.