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Pear and Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese

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This Pear and Walnut Salad with Goat Cheese is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, making it the perfect salad for any season. The juicy pears add natural sweetness, while the creamy goat cheese brings richness and tang. The toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the simple dressing ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

  1. 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

Instructions

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Top with walnuts and goat cheese: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad.
  4. Serve: Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or starter. Enjoy the balance of fresh, creamy, and crunchy textures with each bite!

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pear-and-walnut-salad-with-goat-cheese/