Description
Ina Garten’s roasted pear salad combines sweet caramelized pears with peppery greens and tangy blue cheese. Crisp autumn flavors create a sophisticated side dish perfect for elegant dinner parties or simple weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pears (green or red Anjou or Bartlett), cored & cut into 8 equal pieces
- 6 cups spring mix or combination of salad greens, including arugula
- 1 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pecans (walnuts or hazelnuts), lightly toasted
- 0.5 cup crumbled goat cheese (approx. 5 oz)
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (honey or agave nectar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Roasting Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), creating an ideal environment for caramelizing pears.
- Pear Arrangement: Slice pears into uniform thin wedges and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing for even roasting.
- Seasoning Layer: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and maple syrup over pear slices, then sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and develop complex flavors.
- Roasting Process: Bake pears for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and caramelization begins, transforming their texture and intensifying their inherent sweetness.
- Vinaigrette Creation: While pears cool, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to craft a vibrant, emulsified dressing.
- Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and pomegranate arils, creating a textural and flavor-rich foundation.
- Final Composition: Gently place roasted pear slices atop the salad, drizzle with lemon vinaigrette, and toss delicately to integrate ingredients without compromising their integrity.
- Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and preserve the salad’s dynamic texture and fresh appearance.
Notes
- Slice Pears Precisely: Cut pears uniformly to ensure even caramelization and consistent roasting results.
- Control Roasting Temperature: Watch pears closely at 400°F to achieve golden edges without burning, typically 12-15 minutes.
- Emulsify Vinaigrette Carefully: Whisk dressing ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats salad evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy salad right after tossing to maintain crisp greens, warm roasted pears, and vibrant textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg