Autumn Pear Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 Tbsp finely diced shallot
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp salted butter
- 1 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar
- 7 oz Spring Salad & Spinach blend
- 2 oz parmesan cheese
shaved
- 2 Pears
sliced thin, Bartlett or Anjou are great
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
Directions
- 1
To a blender add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, diced shallot and season with salt and pepper to taste (I used a 1/4 +1/8 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper).
- 2
Blend mixture until well emulsified, about 20 seconds. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- 3
In a medium skillet melt butter along with brown sugar over medium heat. Once mixture has melted add walnuts and cook, stirring constantly until caramelized, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool.
- 4
Layer lettuce and pears in a large bowl and toss with dressing, then top with parmesan, dried cranberries and candied walnuts and serve (alternately just layer all the salad ingredients then drizzle with dressing. Note: top this salad with dressing just before serving as it will wilt the lettuces after a while).
Autumn Pear Salad
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Based on 32 ratings
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About this Recipe
Looking for a salad that truly captures the cozy essence of autumn? This Autumn Pear Salad is a vibrant dish, bursting with the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that define the season.
What makes this salad a standout is its thoughtful balance: tender spring greens meet juicy pears, while candied walnuts offer a delightful crunch, perfectly contrasted by salty Parmesan and a bright balsamic vinaigrette. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that elevates a simple salad into a truly satisfying experience.
Prepare for a delightful journey for your palate. Each forkful brings together the freshness of a spring mix with the natural sweetness of thinly sliced Bartlett or Anjou pears. You'll savor the irresistible crunch and buttery sweetness of the candied walnuts, complemented by the salty, nutty notes of shaved Parmesan. The vibrant balsamic vinaigrette, homemade with extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and finely diced shallot, ties all these elements together with a tangy flourish.
This salad is surprisingly easy to assemble, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time for 5 generous servings. You'll achieve a restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent yet remains wonderfully fresh, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special gathering.
Feel free to customize this autumnal masterpiece. While Bartlett or Anjou pears are recommended for their sweetness and firm texture, any ripe, firm pear will work beautifully. For an extra pop of color and tartness, consider adding more dried sweetened cranberries. If you don't have walnuts, pecans could offer a similar crunch, though the flavor profile would shift slightly.
This Autumn Pear Salad is a fantastic side dish for any fall meal, from a cozy Sunday supper to an elegant holiday gathering. It also shines as a light main course, pairing wonderfully with a crusty bread.