Description
This Goat Cheese and Pear Salad combines crisp greens, juicy pears, creamy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing. It tastes fresh, elegant, and comforting while staying simple enough for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Add mixed greens to a large serving bowl.
- Top with sliced pears, walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the top just before serving.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor beautifully. Store the dressing separately if making ahead. Add grilled chicken for extra protein or substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg