Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that transforms your ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Our Pear and Walnut Salad with Dark Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette is more than just a recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses and elevate your home cooking game. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty elements, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pears, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons dark cherry balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning. Cut them in half, remove the core, and slice into thin, elegant wedges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dark cherry balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create the vinaigrette. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, gently toss the mixed greens with half of the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring leaves are lightly and evenly coated.
- Arrange the dressed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Distribute the sliced pears evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp greens, fresh pears, and crunchy walnuts at their peak freshness.
Tips
- Timing is everything: Toast your walnuts just before adding them to the salad to maintain their crisp texture and rich, nutty flavor.
- Prevent pear browning by slicing them at the last minute and consider brushing with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- For the best vinaigrette, whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing.
- Use fresh, high-quality mixed greens for the best texture and flavor profile.
- Serve the salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the optimal crispness of the greens and the temperature contrast between ingredients.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
