Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Experience a burst of flavors with this Pear Salad featuring Candied Walnuts and a tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette. Juicy pears combined with crunchy walnuts create a delightful blend, making this salad perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to elegant dinners. Impress your guests and elevate your meals effortlessly with this visually stunning, delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
- 1 cup candied walnuts (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a saucepan, combine sugar and walnuts over medium heat until caramelized; stir frequently. Let cool.
- Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly in a large bowl.
- Slice the pears thinly and arrange them artfully atop the greens.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the greens and pears just before serving, then sprinkle with candied walnuts for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Customize by using apples instead of pears or adding crumbled feta for creaminess. For added sweetness and color, consider tossing in dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Store salad components separately for maximum freshness; keep greens in an airtight container and candied walnuts stored in a cool place.