A fresh and vibrant salad combining crisp autumn pears and toasted walnuts, tossed in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a seasonal appetizer or light lunch.
This autumn-inspired salad blends the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the rich flavor of toasted walnuts. The homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette adds a balanced tangy and sweet finish, making it a delightful seasonal dish that's easy to prepare and full of texture and flavor.
Prep: 15 min · Cook: 5 min · Rest / additional: 0 min · Total: 20 min
Cuisine: American · Course: Salad
- pear 2 medium — ripe, cored and thinly sliced
- walnuts 1 cup — toasted
- mixed salad greens 6 cups — washed and dried
- pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
- apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon
- extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons
- salt 0.5 teaspoon — or to taste
- black pepper 0.25 teaspoon — freshly ground
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Toast walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Prepare vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
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Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
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Assemble salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed salad greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts.
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Drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine evenly.
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Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors.
Tips and substitutions
- For extra flavor, add crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese to the salad.
- Use Bartlett or Bosc pears for best sweetness and texture.
- To toast walnuts in the oven, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once.
- If you prefer, add a handful of dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.
Storage and reheating
Store any leftover salad components separately—the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, and the salad (without dressing) in a sealed container for up to one day. Add dressing just before serving and toss gently. Avoid storing the tossed salad overnight to keep the greens crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It's best to prepare the salad components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Yes, toasted pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives to walnuts with delicious results.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal-derived products except for optional cheese additions.
Prepared with AI assistance. Review ingredient amounts, cooking times and food safety guidance before cooking.
Featured image: AI-generated illustration of the recipe.
