Candied Walnut Pear Salad
Ingredients
For the candied walnuts
- 5 oz roughly chopped walnuts (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried rosemary leaves
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- kosher salt
For the balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
For the salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 cup arugula
- 2 pears sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
For the candied walnuts
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Mix all of the candied walnut ingredients together in a small bowl. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Cool.
For the balsamic vinaigrette
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In a mason jar or dressing shaker (or anything with a lid that you can shake), combine all dressing ingredients and shake until combined and emulsified.
Assembly
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Either add all salad ingredients (greens, walnuts, pears, goat cheese, onion, cranberries) into one large serving bowl, or make individual salad plates. Drizzle desired amount of dressing, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Try doubling the candied walnut recipe and add in a variety of other nuts for a tasty snack. Makes great gifts too!
Not a goat cheese fan? Swap for feta, blue, or any cheese you like. This would also be great with apples instead of pears, or both!