Elegant Roasted Pear, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad
Looking to take your salad game to the next level with a dish that’s both sophisticated and a cinch to prepare? Look no further than our Roasted Pear Walnut Goat Cheese Salad. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted pears with the rich, creamy texture of goat cheese, all brought together by the satisfying crunch of walnuts. It’s a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that will wow your guests and have them begging for the recipe.
Roasting the pears brings out their natural sugars, creating a caramelized exterior that pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese. The walnuts add a nutty depth, while a simple yet sophisticated vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together. This salad not only tastes amazing but is also a nutritional powerhouse, making it a versatile option for a wholesome lunch or a stunning starter for a dinner party. Feel free to add your twist with a handful of dried cranberries or a drizzle of honey.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward to follow. The ingredients are simple, yet the result is anything but. Fresh greens serve as the base, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm pears and creamy cheese. A handful of dried cranberries or a drizzle of honey can add an extra sweetness if desired.
Perfect for any occasion, our Roasted Pear Walnut Goat Cheese Salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Get ready to impress with this delightful, gourmet-inspired salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Roasting Pears
Roasting pears is a simple yet transformative cooking technique that enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful caramelized texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to roast pears perfectly every time.
Selecting the Pears
Choose firm, ripe pears such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. These varieties hold their shape well during roasting and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Preparing the Pears
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, wash and dry the pears thoroughly. Cut each pear in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out the core, removing the seeds and creating a small hollow in the center.
Seasoning and Arranging
Place the pear halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Brush the cut sides of the pears lightly with melted butter or a neutral oil like grapeseed oil. This step helps in caramelizing the pears. For added flavor, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey over the pears.
Roasting the Pears
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast the pears for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Halfway through the roasting process, turn the pears over to ensure they cook evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized crust on all sides.
Finishing Touches
Once roasted, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. The pears should be tender but not mushy, with a lovely golden hue and a sweet, concentrated flavor. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, either as a side dish, a dessert, or a delicious addition to salads and savory dishes.
Roasting pears brings out their natural sugars and deepens their flavor, making them a versatile and delicious ingredient for various recipes.
Some Other Salad Options
One of the simplest and most classic salads is the Caesar Salad, a combination of crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and buttery-sharp Parmesan cheese dressed with a rich, creamy dressing. I have a great recipe for Caesar Salad on my website but if you are in a hurry and you want to take a shortcut, there are some good Caesar Salad kits that you can purchase at the grocery store. Look for the Dole, Fresh Express, or Cardini brands.
Although making a basic vinaigrette is easy, there is another shortcut I have been known to make and my dinner guests are amazed when I tell them how I made the salad dressing. I’m sure you have all seen the Good Seasons Italian dressing that comes with the glass cruet.
If you use a combination of virgin olive oil and canola oil (I call it a chef’s blend) and use it with balsamic vinegar, you end up with a very tasty quick and easy, down-and-dirty salad dressing. You can even add a little Dijon mustard to give it a little more flavor.
I know it doesn’t sound gourmet, but give it a try and let me know.
Roasted Pear Walnut Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 pinch salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- ¼ teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- ½ roasted pear pureed in a food processor or just mashed very well with a fork
- ¾ cup olive oil
For the Salad
- mixed baby greens
- romaine lettuce
- 1 Bosc pear
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 ounces walnut pieces
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Vinaigrette
- In a large bowl, combine the vinegars, mustard, honey, salt, pepper, shallot, herbs and pear puree. Whisk well to combine.
- While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in ¾ cups of oil. Adding the oil slowly while whisking will help to ensure that you get a nice emulsion and don't end up with oil floating sadly on top of the rest of your dressing ingredients.
- Taste, and correct seasonings. You may need to add a little more salt, pepper, herbs or even honey. If you find the vinaigrette a little sharp, whisk in the last ¼ cup of oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you like the balance.
For the Salad
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Wash and dry the lettuces. Set aside in a large bowl in the refrigerator.
- Wash, halve and core the pear.
- Melt the butter.
- Toss walnut pieces with half the melted butter and a pinch of salt. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven, just until they begin to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. Watch them carefully, you don't want to burn them.
- Stir the honey into the other half of the melted butter. Brush onto the cut side of the pears. Place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and roast until pears start to take on some color, about 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.
- Let the nuts and the pears cool. Slice or cube the roasted pear.
- Put the pears, goat cheese and walnuts in the bowl with the lettuce. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle on ¼ - ⅓ cup of dressing and toss gently but thoroughly. Serve.
One Response
These salads should be good for everyone’ taste buds
Thanks Joseph and Happy Valentine’s Day to you. – RG