Basil Pear Salad Recipe

A fragrant pear salad on a bed of fresh basil, lightly dressed in a silky honey lemon vinaigrette and finished with creamy goat cheese and candied walnuts.

Let’s make a pear salad today!

We start with fresh, ripe, sweet and juicy D’Anjou pears and the youngest basil leaves from the garden. Then we whisk together a lemon honey vinaigrette with a little attitude from red pepper flakes to pour over the top.

To make it amazing and festive enough for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I loaded it with creamy honey goat cheese and candied walnuts or pecans for a nice nutty crunch. Gently toss to coat and enjoy! 

Variantions include:

• replace the basil with arugula and gorgonzola 
• go for toasted pine nuts or walnuts instead
• add poppy seeds to make a honey lemon poppyseed dressing
• sprinkle with blue cheese 

Pear Salad Recipe

A fragrant pear salad on a bed of fresh basil, lightly dressed in a silky honey lemon vinaigrette with goat cheese and candied walnuts.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 2 bunches fresh basil leaves only
• 3 pears cored & sliced or 1 mango
• 1/3 c walnuts toasted or candied
• 1 oz fresh honey goat cheese crumbled with your hands
• 2 sprigs purple basil optional

Lemon Honey Dressing:

• 1 tsp lemon zest organic
• 1 juiced lemon + more to taste
• 3 tbsp raw organic honey + more to taste
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

• Gently toss together all the basil leaves and pears in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl whisk together the salad dressing ingredients, honey, olive oil and lemon juice until smooth and combined well.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste with the sea salt and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust until happy.
• Pour the dressing over the basil and pears and gently toss to coat just before serving.
• Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the salad and serve with the chunks of goat cheese over the top.

Nutrition

Calories: 293.4kcal

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4

Calories: 293.4kcal

Author: Florentina

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