Spinach Pear Salad with Curried Cashews and Honey-Sesame Dressing 🥗
Overview:
This Spinach Pear Salad from the renowned Restaurateur, Tom Douglas, is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances flavors, colors, and textures. 🌿🍐 It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience! The addition of curried cashews adds a delightful crunch and spice, while the honey-sesame dressing brings a sweet and tangy note to every bite. 🍯✨
Recipe Information:
- Chef: Tom Douglas
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Curried Cashews | Honey-Sesame Vinaigrette | Salad |
|---|---|---|
| – 3/4 cup cashews | – 1/2 cup white wine vinegar | – Thick slab bacon, 12 oz |
| – 1 tbsp unsalted butter | – 1/2 cup Dijon mustard | – Frisee, 6 cups |
| – 1 tsp fresh rosemary | – 3 tbsp honey | – Red onion, sliced |
| – 1/2 tsp dried rosemary | – 1 tbsp sesame seeds | – Pears, 2 |
| – 1 tsp curry powder | – 1 clove garlic, minced | – Grapes, 6 clusters |
| – 1 tbsp dark brown sugar | – Salt and pepper to taste | |
| – 1/2 tsp coarse salt | ||
| – Pinch of cayenne pepper |
Instructions:
Curried Cashews:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the cashews on a baking sheet and toast them for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden and fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: unsalted butter, fresh and dried rosemary, curry powder, dark brown sugar, coarse salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Once the cashews are done, add them to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Toss everything together until the cashews are well coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Set aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Honey-Sesame Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sesame seeds, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Keep whisking until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This dressing is going to be the flavor powerhouse of your salad!
Salad Assembly:
- Cut the thick slab bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp, then drain it on paper towels.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the frisee, sliced red onions, and thinly sliced pears.
- Drizzle enough of the honey-sesame vinaigrette over the salad ingredients to coat everything evenly. Toss gently to combine.
- Divide the salad among six plates, creating beautiful mounds of greens, pears, and onions.
- Sprinkle each plate with a generous amount of the crispy bacon pieces.
- Top the salad with a handful of the curried cashews for that delightful crunch and spicy kick.
- For an elegant finish, garnish each plate with a cluster of fresh grapes placed delicately at the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Spinach Pear Salad as a light lunch or a refreshing snack.
- Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling beverage for the perfect dining experience.
- Enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures with every forkful, savoring the sweetness of the pears, the crunch of the cashews, and the savory goodness of the bacon.
Chef’s Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the curried cashews and honey-sesame vinaigrette ahead of time to save on prep when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite additions, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Gift Idea: Package some of the curried cashews in a pretty jar for a thoughtful homemade gift. They make for a delicious and unique treat!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 672.5
- Total Fat: 48.3g
- Saturated Fat: 11.3g
- Cholesterol: 30.8mg
- Sodium: 758.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 9.3g
- Sugar: 35.2g
- Protein: 12.2g
Enjoy!
Experience the culinary magic of Tom Douglas with this Spinach Pear Salad. 🌟 Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. Bon appétit! 🍴✨
