Winter Green Pear Walnuts (Print Version)
Crisp winter greens combined with ripe pears, toasted walnuts, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing dish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Greens
01 - 4 cups mixed winter greens (such as kale, arugula, or spinach), washed and dried
→ Fruit
02 - 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
→ Nuts & Cheese
03 - ½ cup walnut halves
04 - ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
→ Dressing
05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
10 - ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
12 - Freshly cracked black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the winter greens and sliced pears.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
05 - Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese (if using) over the salad.
06 - Garnish with pomegranate seeds and an extra twist of black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between crisp greens and sweet pears makes every bite interesting
- It comes together in under 20 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
02 -
- Dress the salad just before serving or the greens will wilt and lose their satisfying crunch
- Slice the pears right before assembling so they dont oxidize and turn brown
03 -
- Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the greens, then wrap them in paper towels if storing overnight
- Warm the pears slightly in the oven for 5 minutes if you want to serve this as a more substantial side