When the evenings get colder, it is tempting to switch entirely to soups and stews. This salad is a reminder that autumn produce is wonderful raw, too. Juicy pear, crunchy walnuts and soft, tangy goat cheese make it filling enough for lunch, yet light and fresh. It takes about 15 minutes and serves two as a main dish or four as a starter.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears
- 60 g walnuts
- 120 g fresh goat cheese
- 100 g mixed salad leaves, such as rocket, lamb’s lettuce and red chicory
- 1 small red onion
- a handful of pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they smell nutty. Let them cool, then chop roughly.
Slice the red onion very thinly and soak it in cold water for ten minutes to take away its sharpness.
For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey and mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
Wash and dry the salad leaves and spread them in a wide bowl. Core the pears and cut them into thin slices, adding them just before serving so they do not turn brown. Scatter over the drained onion, the walnuts and the goat cheese, crumbled into small pieces. Finish with pomegranate seeds, if using, and drizzle with the dressing.
Why it works
Pear and walnut are a classic pairing for a reason: sweet and juicy meets bitter and crunchy. Walnuts add healthy fats and protein, the leaves bring fiber and vitamins, and the goat cheese makes the salad satisfying without being heavy.
In autumn I always add something bitter, like chicory. It balances the sweetness of the pear and honey perfectly.
Paolo Ricci, chef at a bistro in Elmbridge
Variations
Swap the pear for a crisp apple or fresh figs, use hazelnuts instead of walnuts, or replace the goat cheese with blue cheese for a stronger flavor. For a more substantial meal, add a handful of cooked lentils and serve with warm crusty bread.
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