This Pear and Walnut Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the nutty crunch of walnuts, while the tangy dressing brings everything together. This salad is not just a delightful meal but also a celebration of the season’s best ingredients. The combination of fresh greens, juicy pears, and toasted walnuts creates a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a side salad for a holiday dinner or a light lunch, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Walnuts: 1 cup, toasted
- Pears: 2 large pears, diced (such as red, bosc, or bartlett)
- Spring Mix Salad: 10 ounces
- Gorgonzola Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled (or bleu cheese)
- Pomegranate Arils: ½ cup (or dried cranberries/cherries)
- Ginger Honey Vinaigrette:
- Olive Oil: ⅓ cup
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (plus more to taste)
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated or minced
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard: 2 teaspoons
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Ginger Honey Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until well combined.
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Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until fragrant and lightly browned. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spring mix salad, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, diced pears, and toasted walnuts.
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Drizzle with Ginger Honey Vinaigrette: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the greens and pears evenly. Taste and adjust the dressing as needed by adding more honey or vinegar.
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Garnish with Pomegranate Arils: Sprinkle pomegranate arils over the salad for a pop of color and added sweetness.
Top Tips
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Choose the Right Pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm, as they will hold their shape in the salad.
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Toast Walnuts Properly: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
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Adjust Vinaigrette to Taste: The dressing should be tangy but not overpowering. Adjust the amount of honey or vinegar to your taste.
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Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a unique flavor to the vinaigrette. Grate it just before using for the best flavor.
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Add Other Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute some of the walnuts with almonds or pecans for added variety.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette and toast the walnuts ahead of time to save on preparation time.
Variations
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Add Dried Cherries: Substitute some of the pomegranate arils with dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
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Use Blue Cheese: Replace Gorgonzola with blue cheese for a stronger, more pungent flavor.
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Incorporate Radicchio: Add some radicchio leaves to the salad for a peppery flavor and a pop of color.
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Orange Dressing: Replace the ginger honey vinaigrette with an orange dressing by mixing orange juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and olive oil.
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Candied Walnuts: Use candied walnuts instead of toasted walnuts for a sweeter twist.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the salad for added freshness.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Serves 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 10g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This salad is relatively low in calories and high in fiber due to the fresh greens and pears. The walnuts provide a good source of healthy fats, while the Gorgonzola cheese adds protein. The pomegranate arils add antioxidants and a burst of sweetness. This salad is perfect for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal.
