Pear and Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

• Quick and easy: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this salad comes together in no time.

• Versatile: It works as a light lunch, a side salad for dinner, or a starter for a special occasion.

• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is a nutritious option for any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)

• 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced

• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Toast the walnuts: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the pear slices and red onion (if using). Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.

4. Top with walnuts and goat cheese: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad.

5. Serve: Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or starter. Enjoy the balance of fresh, creamy, and crunchy textures with each bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 minutes (for toasting walnuts)

• Total Time: 14 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: To make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Other nuts: Swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for a different flavor.

• Different cheese: If you don’t have goat cheese, feta or blue cheese can be great alternatives for a tangy contrast.

• Extra fruit: Add other fruits such as apples, figs, or pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and color.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or mint can add a fragrant touch to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served fresh, but you can store the dressing separately in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep the salad components separate, especially the dressing, so that the greens don’t wilt.

• Reheating: Since this is a fresh salad, it’s not meant to be reheated. Simply prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (toast the walnuts, slice the pears, and make the dressing), but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Can I use different greens for this salad?

Absolutely! You can use arugula, spinach, baby kale, or mixed greens. The peppery bite of arugula pairs especially well with the sweet pears and tangy goat cheese.

How do I prevent the pears from browning?

To prevent the pear slices from browning, you can toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps preserve their color and freshness.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes! Feta cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta salata are great alternatives that will add a similar tangy flavor to complement the sweetness of the pears.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese and substitute the honey with maple syrup in the dressing. You can also add some roasted chickpeas or avocado for extra creaminess.

How do I make this salad more substantial?

You can make this salad more filling by adding a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, quinoa, or chickpeas. It also works well as a topping for a grain bowl.

Conclusion

This Pear and Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese is a light, flavorful, and satisfying dish that beautifully combines sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. It’s quick to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or a starter, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the fresh flavors and textures in every bite!