Green Salad with Candied Walnuts + Fresh Pears

A simple salad just says Fall

Green Salad with Candied Walnuts + Fresh Pears

Savory, Sweet, Tangy and Delish!

There is nothing I love more than a simple salad that has few ingredients but so many great flavor and textures. This one is exactly that… 4 main ingredients plus balsamic vinaigrette and it’s savory, tangy, sweet, tart and oh so yummy!

The details… A big bowl of greens, crisp pear slices, tart dried cherries or cranberries and our favorite candied walnuts all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a great mix of flavors and textures.  A perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

The Candied Walnuts of course make the salad in in my opinion.  They are made with coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and are so yummy!

Because it’s so simple, this is a perfect side salad. It goes with just about anything. We like to make it on days we have a simple pasta or order in pizza.

It’s also very adaptable, use cranberries in place of cherries. Or pecans in place of walnuts. If you eat dairy, feel free to add in some goat cheese.

Recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker.

Scroll down to see the recipe.

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Recipe

Green Salad with Candied Walnuts + Fresh Pears
 
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This simple Fall salad has a fresh, delicious mix of flavors and textures, a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker
Author:
Recipe type: Salad, Fall
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
  • 1 heaping cup raw walnuts or pecans
  • 4 tsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 4 tsp maple syrup
  • generous pinch sea salt
  • generous pinch cinnamon
Balsamic Vinaigrette (makes more than you might need for the salad. Save in an air tight container to use for the next few days)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp dijon mustard
  • ½ shallot, finely chopped
  • Pinch each sea salt and black pepper
Salad
  • 1 5 oz container mixed greens
  • 1 Bosc or Bartlett Pear, or a combination of the two, sliced thin.
  • ¼ cup dried tart cherries (or cranberries)
Instructions
Candied Walnuts
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Place raw walnuts in single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet and toast for 4 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients in a heat proof bowl.
  4. Remove walnuts from oven and add to bowl with remaining ingredients. Gently stir to combine and place back on parchment lined baking sheet in single layer.
  5. Place back in oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown.
  6. Set aside to cool.
  7. Store extra walnuts in an a well sealed container.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
  1. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Adjust to tastes as desired. Add in more balsamic for tanginess or mustard for creaminess and spice.
  3. Store extra vinaigrette in a well sealed container in refrigerator for several days.
Salad
  1. When ready to serve, place greens in a bowl and toss with a small amount of vinaigrette.
  2. Add in pear, cherries and walnuts, reserving some for garnish,
  3. Toss with additional dressing.

Recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker.

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