Pear and Candied Pecan Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Introduction

Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful symphony of sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal starter, side dish, or even a light lunch. The delicate sweetness of ripe pears perfectly complements the crunchy, caramelized goodness of candied pecans, all brought together by a luscious balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is a celebration of textures and tastes, offering a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience. It’s an elegant dish that’s easy to assemble and customize, perfect for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.

The first time I made Pear and Candied Pecan Salad, I was captivated by the simplicity and beauty of the ingredients. The crispness of the greens, the sweetness of the pears, and the crunch of the candied pecans created a delightful harmony. As I drizzled the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, the aroma of aged balsamic vinegar filled the air, adding another layer of sophistication. With each bite, the flavors danced on my palate, leaving me wanting more.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility and the ability to adapt it to different seasons and tastes. You can customize it by adding crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. The balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the other ingredients, adding a touch of acidity and depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. No matter how you choose to serve it, Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for

• Holiday gatherings
• Dinner parties
• Lunch salads
• Appetizers
• Side dishes
• Brunch

Why You’ll Love This Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Here’s why Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette will become your new favorite salad:

• Exceptional Flavor Combination: The sweet pears, crunchy candied pecans, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette create a delightful and complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Delicious Texture Contrast: The combination of crisp greens, soft pears, and crunchy pecans provides a delightful textural contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Elegant and Impressive: This salad is visually stunning and sophisticated, making it perfect for serving at special gatherings or dinner parties.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this salad is quick and easy to assemble, even for novice cooks.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily customized with different types of greens, cheeses, or proteins to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for candied pecans)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, romaine, or spring mix)
• 2 ripe but firm pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 cup candied pecans
• ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Candied Pecans:

• 1 cup pecan halves
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett, for the best flavor and texture.
• Candied Pecans: Candied pecans add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the salad. You can buy them pre-made or make your own using the included recipe.
• Mixed Greens: Use a variety of mixed greens for added flavor and visual appeal. Spinach, romaine, and spring mix are all excellent choices.
• Balsamic Vinegar: High-quality balsamic vinegar is essential for creating a flavorful vinaigrette. Look for a vinegar that is aged for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the pears and candied pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Prepare the Candied Pecans:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium skillet, combine the pecan halves, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cook Over Medium Heat: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Continue Cooking: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the sugar caramelizes, coating the pecans. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer to Parchment Paper: Immediately transfer the candied pecans to a sheet of parchment paper and spread them out in a single layer to cool. Once cooled, break them apart if they clumped together.

Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine Greens and Pears: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and sliced pears.
2. Add Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese: Add the candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese (if using).
3. Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, using just enough to lightly coat the ingredients.
4. Toss Gently: Toss gently to combine, being careful not to overdress the salad.

Serve:

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Pear and Candied Pecan Salad immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.

How to Serve Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Starter: Serve as a refreshing starter to a meal, especially during the fall and winter months.
• As a Side Dish: Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
• As a Lunch Salad: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a heartier and more substantial lunch.
• For Special Occasions: Serve at holiday gatherings or dinner parties as a visually stunning and flavorful dish.
• With Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a complete and harmonious dining experience.

Additional Tips for Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Here are some tips to ensure your Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is perfect every time:

• Use Ripe but Firm Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
• Make the Candied Pecans Ahead of Time: The candied pecans can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days.
• Whisk the Vinaigrette Well: Make sure to whisk the balsamic vinaigrette well to emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Dress the Salad Just Before Serving: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Adjust the Sweetness of the Vinaigrette: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the vinaigrette to suit your personal preference.

Recipe Variations for Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Here are some variations you can try for Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Apple and Candied Walnut Salad: Substitute the pears with sliced apples and the pecans with candied walnuts.
• Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad: Add dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese to the salad for a festive twist.
• Grilled Chicken Salad: Add grilled chicken to the salad for a heartier and more substantial meal.
• Blue Cheese Salad: Substitute the goat cheese with crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Spinach and Bacon Salad: Use spinach as the base for the salad and add crumbled bacon for a savory element.
• Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Substitute the honey with maple syrup in the vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the vinaigrette for a brighter and more citrusy flavor.
• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the candied pecan mixture for a spicy kick.
• Parmesan Cheese Salad: Add shaved Parmesan cheese to the salad for a salty and nutty flavor.
• Arugula and Prosciutto Salad: Use arugula as the base for the salad and add prosciutto for a savory and salty element.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing.
• Storage: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The candied pecans can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The balsamic vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Assemble the salad just before serving.

Special Equipment for Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette easier:

• Cutting Board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing the pears and red onion.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the pears and red onion thinly and evenly.
• Medium Skillet: A medium skillet is needed for making the candied pecans.
• Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is used for cooling the candied pecans.
• Whisk: A whisk is used for making the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Small Bowl: A small bowl is needed for making the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Large Bowl: A large bowl is used for assembling the salad.

FAQ Section for Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. Can I buy pre-made candied pecans?
   Yes, you can buy pre-made candied pecans to save time.
2. Can I make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
3. How do I prevent the candied pecans from sticking together?
   Transfer the candied pecans to a sheet of parchment paper and spread them out in a single layer to cool. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
4. Can I add protein to this salad to make it a meal?
   Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are all excellent additions to this salad.

Print

Conclusion

Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful and elegant dish that combines sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, side dish, or light lunch, this salad is sure to impress your guests. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

I’d love to see your Pear and Candied Pecan Salad creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this luscious dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!