Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette

Introduction

Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that brings together the sweet taste of pears, the creamy texture of goat cheese, and the crunch of candied walnuts. This salad is not only flavorful but also fresh and healthy. It makes a perfect appetizer or a light meal on its own.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is a great choice for many reasons. It is easy to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients. The combination of flavors—from the sweetness of the pear to the tanginess of the vinaigrette—creates a delicious balance. Additionally, it’s packed with nutrients from the greens and fruits, making it a nutritious option for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick lunch, this salad will impress anyone who tries it.

How to Make Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette

Making this salad is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp cranberry juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
On a large platter or salad bowl, arrange mixed greens, pear slices, candied walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Crumble goat cheese over the top.
Drizzle with the cranberry vinaigrette just before serving.

How to Serve Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette

This salad is best served fresh. You can place it in a large bowl for sharing or serve it individually on plates. For a special touch, you can add a few extra candied walnuts on top or garnish with additional slices of pear.

How to Store Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the components separately to keep everything fresh. Store the salad greens, sliced pears, and candied walnuts in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Keep the vinaigrette in a small jar. When you are ready to eat, just toss everything together.

Tips to Make Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Cranberry Vinaigrette

Choose ripe pears for the best flavor and sweetness.
You can make the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
If you prefer a softer cheese, try feta instead of goat cheese for a different taste.

Variation

You can customize this salad in several ways. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you like nuts, try adding pecans or almonds. You can also switch the cranberries for fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of greens?
Yes, you can use any greens you like! Spinach, arugula, or a pre-packaged mix work well.

2. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but the individual components can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored separately.

3. Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Absolutely! You can replace goat cheese with avocado or tofu and use a plant-based vinaigrette for a vegan-friendly option.