This Pear Salad with Walnuts and Lemon Dressing is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Featuring ripe pears, crisp greens, toasted walnuts, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of pears pairs beautifully with the crunch of walnuts and the tang of lemon dressing.
- Versatile: Suitable as a light lunch, side dish, or elegant starter.
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and greens.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- Ripe pears, thinly sliced
- Toasted walnuts
- Goat cheese or Parmesan shavings
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens.
- Top with sliced pears, toasted walnuts, and cheese. Add red onion if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 as a side dish, 2 as a main course
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutesLatest news & breaking headlines+4Mrs. Jones Kitchen+4For the Love of Gourmet+4The Guardian+10The Guardian+10Reddit+10
Variations
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Fruit Alternatives: Substitute pears with apples, peaches, or figs.
- Nut Options: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Cheese Choices: Try blue cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Greens Variety: Mix in kale, romaine, or butter lettuce.Allrecipes+3Food & Wine+3The Guardian+3Mrs. Jones KitchenCiao Florentina
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Keep the lemon dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before use.
- Reheating: Not applicable, as this salad is best served fresh and cold.
FAQs
What type of pears are best for this salad?
Bartlett or Anjou pears are ideal due to their sweetness and firm texture.Ciao Florentina+1For the Love of Gourmet+1
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.Mrs. Jones Kitchen+1The Guardian+1
How do I prevent the pears from browning?
Toss sliced pears in a little lemon juice to slow oxidation.kirstys-table.com+1Mrs. Jones Kitchen+1
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.Mrs. Jones Kitchen
Can I use a different dressing?
Certainly, balsamic vinaigrette or a raspberry dressing can also complement the flavors.
What other nuts can I use?
Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives to walnuts.Mrs. Jones Kitchen
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add quinoa, couscous, or grilled proteins like chicken or tofu.
Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?
Omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Can I use canned pears?
Fresh pears are recommended for texture and flavor, but canned pears can be used in a pinch.
How long does the dressing last?
The lemon dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
This Pear Salad with Walnuts and Lemon Dressing is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Its versatility allows for numerous variations to suit different dietary preferences and occasions. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light lunch, a side dish, or an elegant starter.
Print
Pear Salad with Walnuts and Lemon Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This crisp and vibrant salad features ripe pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and peppery greens, all tossed in a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette. Topped with crumbled goat cheese, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed spring greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or a blend)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- For the Love of Gourmet
- For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Love of Gourmet
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pear, diced red onion, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Drizzle the lemon-honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- For added sweetness, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or currants.
- To prevent the pear slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- If preparing in advance, store the vinaigrette separately and toss with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
- kirstys-table.com
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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