Pear, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad
A bright, crunchy salad that pairs sweet ripe pears with toasted walnuts and tangy goat cheese. Tossed with a simple honey-lemon vinaigrette, it comes together in 15 minutes and works beautifully as a light lunch or an elegant starter.
For 4 servings
- roast · ~3 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool.
TIPKeep a close eye on the walnuts — they go from toasted to burnt in seconds. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the honey-lemon vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and honey.2.Whisk while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until emulsified.3.Season with salt and pepper, then whisk once more. - assemble · ~1 min
Assemble the salad base.
1.Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.2.Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat. - assemble · ~1 min
Add pears, walnuts, and goat cheese.
1.Arrange the sliced pears evenly over the dressed greens.2.Scatter the toasted walnuts across the top.3.Crumble goat cheese over everything with your fingers. - garnish
Finish with remaining vinaigrette and serve.
Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately while the greens are fresh and the walnuts are crunchy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking often, until fragrant to maximize crunch and flavor.
- 2Slice pears just before assembling to prevent browning; toss them with a squeeze of lemon if prepping ahead.
- 3Use soft goat cheese straight from the fridge and crumble it with your fingers for rustic, even pieces.
- 4Pat salad greens completely dry after washing so the vinaigrette clings properly and doesn't dilute.
- 5Dress greens lightly at first, then add more vinaigrette just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- 6For the best texture, let toasted walnuts cool completely before adding them to the salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace goat cheese with a plant-based crumbled alternative or marinated tofu, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave to keep the sweet-tangy balance.
nut freeNut-free
Swap walnuts for roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to retain crunch and earthy flavor without the allergen.
low carbLow-carb
Replace pears with sliced fennel or a few fresh figs (in moderation) to reduce sugar content while keeping a sweet, crisp element.
protein packedProtein-packed
Add grilled chicken breast strips or cooked quinoa to transform this salad into a heartier main course.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation, while olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats.
Good Source of Calcium
Goat cheese offers calcium for bone health, especially when compared to many other salad toppings.
High in Dietary Fiber
Pears and walnuts both deliver fiber that aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Antioxidants
Mixed greens and walnuts contain vitamin E and other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
You can toast walnuts and whisk the vinaigrette up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
