Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Pear and Walnut Salad, a delightful combination of juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, mixed salad leaves, and tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or a side dish that complements any main course.
Why Make This Recipe
The Pear and Walnut Salad is a quick and easy dish that requires minimal ingredients and effort to prepare. It offers a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side salad for dinner, or a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Pear and Walnut Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 small pears
- 4 cups mixed salad leaves
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup walnut halves
- 30 g shaved pecorino cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Toast the walnuts on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool.
- Make the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, sugar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well to mix.
- Slice the pears thinly after removing the core.
- Toss the pear slices with the dressing in a mixing bowl.
- Add salad leaves, onion, cooled walnuts, and half of the pecorino cheese. Toss to combine.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and top with the remaining pecorino cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Pear and Walnut Salad
Serve the Pear and Walnut Salad as a light and refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a quiche. It also makes a great addition to a buffet spread or as a standalone lunch option.
How to Store Pear and Walnut Salad
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Note that the salad may become slightly wilted due to the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Pear and Walnut Salad
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference.
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the salad to ensure a balance of sweetness and texture.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like dried cranberries, feta cheese, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Variation
For a vegan version of the salad, substitute the pecorino cheese with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast flakes. You can also add a sprinkle of maple syrup to the dressing for an extra hint of sweetness.
Pear and Walnut Salad
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dressing in this light and healthy Pear and Walnut Salad. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal.Ingredients
Directions
-
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350F. Toast the walnuts on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool. -
Step 2
Make the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, sugar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well to mix. -
Step 3
Slice the pears thinly after removing the core. -
Step 4
Toss the pear slices with the dressing in a mixing bowl. Add salad leaves, onion, cooled walnuts, and half of the pecorino cheese. Toss to combine. -
Step 5
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and top with the remaining pecorino cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
