Ultimate Pear Salad with Goat Cheese, Candied Pecans, and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
I am so glad you are here. This recipe delivers an incredible, soul-satisfying pear salad featuring sweet pears, creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and a bright maple balsamic vinaigrette. It is approachable for all skill levels and big on flavor, making it perfect for an elegant side dish or a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula and spinach work well)
- 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for candying pecans)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for candying pecans)
- Pinch of salt (for candying pecans)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir constantly until the syrup coats the nuts, about 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the coated pecans onto parchment paper and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let them cool completely until crisp.
- Make the maple balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake well until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Arrange the sliced pears over the greens.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and the cooled candied pecans over the salad.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the maple balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat the ingredients.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add dried cranberries or pomegranate arils to the salad mix.
- This salad is best assembled right before you plan to eat it to keep the greens crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 21
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 20