You may not think much of eating salads when cool weather arrives, but adding sweet fall fruits to crisp lettuces is a great way to experience all the flavors the season has to offer! Pears are light and delicate and can add a natural sweetness to salad, especially when combined with nuts, dried fruits and with a touch of honey added to a delicious homemade dressing. Pears are also a great accompaniment with cheese. Combine all these flavors together and you get a salad that is not only visually appealing but quick and nutritious as well.
Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette
For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 bags of pre-washed mixed lettuces
- 2 very ripe Bosc or Anjou pears (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup cranberries or dried tart cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 oz. goat cheese (crumbled)
For the Dressing:
- 1 1/2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl. In a large serving bowl, combine lettuce and cranberries and walnuts together with dressing. For a pretty presentation, arrange sliced pears on top of salad and sprinkle with goat cheese. Toss to combine all ingredients right before serving.
Serves 4.
