Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's anything but ordinary! This Pear Walnut Cranberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Imagine a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors dancing together in one vibrant dish that will make your mouth water and your dinner guests incredibly impressed. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, an elegant starter, or a show-stopping side dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pear, sliced
- Walnuts, toasted
- Dried cranberries
- Avocado, diced
- Goat cheese, crumbled
- Mixed greens
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the walnuts by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the pear into thin, uniform wedges, being careful to remove the core and stem.
- Dice the ripe avocado into small, bite-sized cubes. To prevent browning, you can toss the avocado pieces with a small amount of lemon juice.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base of the salad.
- Arrange the sliced pears, diced avocado, and crumbled goat cheese evenly across the greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and dried cranberries over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure even distribution of ingredients and dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures of the salad.
Tips
- Toast your walnuts carefully: Watch them closely and stir frequently to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
- Keep your avocado fresh: Toss avocado cubes with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, citrusy note.
- Dress just before serving: Add the balsamic vinaigrette at the last moment to keep your greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Use ripe but firm pears: Look for pears that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with cheese: While goat cheese is delicious, you can also try feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or salmon to turn this salad into a complete, protein-packed lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 222kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 8mg
