Gourmet Spinach-Pear Walnut Salad
Indulge in this vibrant and refreshing Gourmet Spinach-Pear Walnut Salad, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The combination of fresh baby spinach, ripe yellow pears, and crumbled blue cheese creates a delightful flavor profile that is further elevated by a zesty balsamic vinaigrette infused with orange juice and garlic. Topped with toasted walnuts for added crunch, this salad not only pleases the palate but also provides a nutritious option that’s ideal for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. This recipe yields four servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or for meal prepping for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
3 cups (washed and dried)
Yellow Pears
3 medium (cored and cut lengthwise into slices)
Blue Cheese
2 tablespoons (crumbled)
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Orange Juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed preferred)
Salt
to taste (none)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the washed and dried baby spinach, sliced pears, and crumbled blue cheese.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, orange juice, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt until well blended.
4
Pour the dressing over the spinach and pear mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating without bruising the spinach.
5
Spread the walnuts on the prepared baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
6
Remove the walnuts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Once warm, sprinkle them over the salad.
7
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Spinach-Pear Walnut Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines fresh baby spinach, ripe yellow pears, blue cheese, and toasted walnuts with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately four servings.
What type of spinach is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of baby spinach, which should be washed and dried before use.
What kind of pears are recommended?
Three medium yellow pears are used, cored and cut lengthwise into slices.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to for toasting walnuts?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
How long do the walnuts need to toast?
The walnuts should be toasted for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, orange juice, crushed garlic, and salt.
Can I use bottled orange juice for the dressing?
While bottled juice works, freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor.
How much blue cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese.
What is the best way to prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being toasted on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How should I combine the ingredients to avoid bruising?
Gently toss the spinach and pear mixture with the dressing to ensure even coating without damaging the leaves.
Is garlic used in the salad or the dressing?
One clove of crushed garlic is whisked into the balsamic vinaigrette.
Should the walnuts be hot when added to the salad?
The walnuts should be allowed to cool slightly after toasting so they are warm when sprinkled over the salad.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the vinaigrette.
When should the salad be served?
It is best served immediately after preparation for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients, but it is best to toss with dressing and add walnuts just before serving to prevent wilting.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the dressing to taste.
What type of baking sheet preparation is needed?
The baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper for toasting the walnuts.
Can I substitute blue cheese if I don't like it?
While the recipe calls for blue cheese, you could substitute it with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
Are the pears peeled?
The recipe specifies coring and slicing the pears, but typically the skin of yellow pears is left on for color and nutrients.
How much walnut is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious option featuring fresh greens, fruit, and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas would complement the flavors well.
What color should the toasted walnuts be?
They should be toasted until they reach a golden brown color.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of orange juice.
Is the garlic minced or crushed?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 clove of crushed garlic.
What size should the yellow pears be?
The recipe calls for three medium-sized yellow pears.
What makes the vinaigrette zesty?
The combination of balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and crushed garlic provides the zesty flavor profile.