Winter Green Pear Walnuts (Print Version)
A crisp mix of winter greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Greens
01 - 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, or spinach), washed and dried
→ Fruit
02 - 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
→ Nuts & Cheese
03 - ½ cup walnut halves
04 - ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
→ Dressing
05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
10 - ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds (optional)
12 - Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Toast walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
03 - In a large salad bowl, add the washed and dried mixed winter greens and the thinly sliced pears. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the greens and pears. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all leaves are lightly coated with dressing.
05 - Sprinkle the cooled toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese or feta over the dressed salad. Distribute evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
06 - Finish with pomegranate seeds and an additional twist of freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while greens remain crisp and walnuts retain their crunch.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between crisp pears, earthy walnuts, and tangy dressing hits every craving at once
- It comes together in under 20 minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
02 -
- Dry your greens thoroughly after washing, or the dressing won't coat properly and the salad will feel waterlogged
- Toast the walnuts just before serving, because once they cool they start losing that freshly toasted magic
03 -
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the pears into thin ribbons for an elegant presentation
- Toast extra walnuts and store them in an airtight container for quick future salads