Ultimate Pear Salad with Goat Cheese and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Make this refreshing and flavorful pear salad featuring goat cheese, candied pecans, and a homemade maple balsamic dressing. It is suitable for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 2 firm ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for pecans)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for pecans)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans: Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until coated and lightly toasted. Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Place the arugula or mixed greens in a large bowl. Arrange the sliced pears over the greens.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and the cooled candied pecans over the salad.
- Drizzle the maple balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
Notes
- Use Bosc or Anjou pears for the best texture in salads.
- For a different flavor, substitute walnuts for pecans.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese, use crumbled blue cheese instead of goat cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg