Description
Crisp Pear Salad with Greens, Walnuts & Creamy Cheese is a fresh and simple salad combining crisp pears, tender mixed greens, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese or blue cheese. Finished with a light honey-lemon dressing, this easy salad brings together sweet, savoury, creamy, and crunchy flavours in every bite.
Ingredients
4 cups (120 g) mixed greens
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1/3 cup (40 g) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 cup (75 g) creamy cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced, optional
1/4 cup dried cranberries, optional
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced pears evenly over the greens.
4. Crumble the goat cheese or blue cheese over the pears and mixed greens.
5. Scatter the toasted walnuts over the salad. Add the thinly sliced red onion and dried cranberries if using.
6. Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.
7. Gently toss everything together, taking care not to break up the pears or cheese too much. Serve immediately.
Notes
Choose ripe but firm pears so they are sweet and juicy while still holding their shape when sliced.
Toast the walnuts for a few minutes to bring out their flavour and add extra crunch.
Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy flavour, while blue cheese adds a stronger savoury character.
Toss gently so the pear slices stay attractive and the cheese does not break down too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean