Spinach and Pear Salad 🥗
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
This delightful Spinach and Pear Salad is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy hazelnuts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Whether you choose to toss it together or elegantly arrange it on individual plates, this salad is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Be sure to follow the steps carefully, especially when preparing the pears, to ensure they retain their freshness and vibrant color.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1/3 cup sherry wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 ripe pears
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir hazelnuts often until golden under skins, 5 to 10 minutes. |
| 2 | Pour onto a towel and let stand until cool enough to handle. |
| 3 | Rub nuts in the towel to remove any loose skins. |
| 4 | Coarsely chop the nuts and set them aside. |
| 5 | In a large bowl, whisk together the sherry wine vinegar, cider vinegar, hazelnut oil, and Dijon mustard until well blended. |
| 6 | Cut the pears lengthwise into quarters and remove the cores. |
| 7 | Cut each quarter lengthwise into thin slices. |
| 8 | Drop the pear slices into the bowl with the dressing and mix gently to coat, ensuring the pears are evenly coated to prevent browning. |
| 9 | Add the fresh spinach to the bowl and gently toss until coated with the dressing. |
| 10 | Sprinkle the salad with crumbled blue cheese and the reserved chopped hazelnuts. |
| 11 | Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 12 | Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of this vibrant salad! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 285.7
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4g
- Cholesterol: 12.7mg
- Sodium: 311.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.3g
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 9.3g
- Protein: 7.9g
Keywords:
- Quick and Easy (<30 mins)
- Stove Top
- Thanksgiving
Tips:
- To make this salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and chop the hazelnuts in advance. Slice the pears and toss them in the dressing just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- For added crunch, toast the hazelnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
- If hazelnuts are unavailable, you can substitute them with toasted almonds or pecans for a delicious variation.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of blue cheese according to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less cheese, or omit it altogether for a dairy-free option.
- For a sweeter twist, you can drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze or honey vinaigrette just before serving.
Enjoy your Spinach and Pear Salad as a refreshing and nutritious addition to your Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion! 🍐🥬
