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+ servings

Pear Salad Recipe

Fresh pear salad with fragrant Genoese basil leaves tossed with a honey lemon dressing and topped with candies walnuts. For a sweet and savory balance serve with a sprinkle of plant-based feta crumbles or goat cheese. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword pear salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 293.4kcal
Author Florentina

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches fresh basil leaves only
  • 3 pears (cored & sliced)
  • 1/3 cup walnuts (candied or toasted)
  • 1 oz feta crumbles or "goat cheese" (plant based)
  • 2 sprigs purple basil optional

Lemon Honey Dressing:

Instructions

  • Gently toss together all the basil leaves and pears in a large bowl.
    2 bunches fresh basil, 3 pears
  • In a separate bowl whisk together the salad dressing ingredients and combined well. Adjust seasonings to your taste with the sea salt and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust until happy.
    1 large juiced lemon, 3-4 tbsp organic local honey, 1 pinch sea salt, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 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 feta or "goat cheese" over the top. (Garnish with the purple basil leaves if using).
    1/3 cup walnuts, 1 oz feta crumbles or "goat cheese", 2 sprigs purple basil

Notes

Salad Variations

  • Don't fancy basil? Swap it for peppery arugula, baby greens or butter lettuce. 
  • The Nuts - Candied walnuts are the ultimate treat here especially for a holiday meal. For a healthier alternative toast them in a dry skillet or swap for toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts. 
  • Add Poppy Seeds - Just because they are fun and add a little "je ne sais quoi" to any dressing! A Lemon Poppyseed  vinaigrette is always a crowd pleaser. 
  • Seasonal Swaps - When pears are not in season you can go for juicy yellow peaches, nectarines or mango. All wonderfully delicious! 
  • Make Ahead - Not Recommended! Pears must be sliced just before serving and salad dressed before serving to preventing wilting and oxidation. 

Nutrition

Calories: 293.4kcal