Elevate Your Salad Game: Mixed Greens with Grilled Pears, Goat Cheese & Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette
In the vibrant world of culinary exploration, it’s easy to fall into a routine, especially when it comes to healthy eating. Salads, while undeniably good for you, can sometimes feel a bit… repetitive. We’ve all been there – staring at a bowl of the same old greens, wishing for something more. But what if a salad could be an exciting journey of flavors and textures, a dish that challenges your palate and keeps your kitchen adventures fresh? This quest for novelty is precisely what inspired me to create this truly unforgettable Mixed Greens with Grilled Pears and Goat Cheese Salad.
The inspiration often comes from unexpected places, or in this case, from the inspiring creativity of fellow food bloggers. Seeing delicious salad creations from friends like Hot Garlic and Prudence Pennywise sparked a culinary fire within me. It was a gentle reminder that innovation is key to preventing kitchen boredom. So, armed with newfound motivation, I embarked on a trip to my local grocery store and farmer’s market, eager to gather ingredients I hadn’t explored in a while – ingredients that would transform a simple salad into something extraordinary.
The Unexpected Delight of Grilled Fruit in Salad
One of the most transformative elements in this recipe is the grilled fruit. It’s truly a game-changer that introduces a depth of flavor many salads lack. If you’ve never thought to add grilled fruit to your salads, prepare to be amazed. Grilling pears caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and adding a subtle smoky note that perfectly complements the freshness of the greens. This technique creates a warm, tender texture that beautifully contrasts with the crispness of the mixed greens and the creaminess of the goat cheese. The result is a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates a simple weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. This combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and smoky makes this particular salad my new reigning favorite – at least until the next exciting discovery!
The beauty of this salad lies in its harmonious blend of ingredients. Every component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying dish. From the delicate bitterness of arugula to the sweet char of grilled pears, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the earthy crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds, each bite offers a delightful sensory experience. The accompanying Simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette ties all these elements together with a bright, acidic finish. If goat cheese isn’t your preference, or if you simply don’t have it on hand, gorgonzola makes a fantastic substitute, lending a bolder, more pungent flavor that works beautifully with the sweetness of the pears.
Print Recipe
Mixed Greens with Grilled Pears and Goat Cheese Crumbles
Author: Aggie Goodman
This vibrant and flavor-packed salad combines tender mixed greens with sweet, smoky grilled pears, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, all brought together by a simple yet zesty homemade apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will elevate your salad game from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
- bunch of mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, baby romaine work beautifully)
- 1 Bartlett pear, sliced (Anjou or Bosc pears also work well)
- 1 oz of goat cheese crumbles (or substitute with gorgonzola for a bolder flavor)
- 2 TB of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- Simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Begin by thoroughly washing, rinsing, and drying your chosen mixed greens. A salad spinner is excellent for this step to ensure crisp, dry greens. You can use any combination of fresh, vibrant salad greens that you prefer – arugula adds a peppery kick, baby spinach offers tenderness, and baby romaine provides a satisfying crunch. Arrange the clean greens artfully on a large salad plate or in a serving bowl.
- Grill Pears: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Lightly spray the pan with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks. Carefully add the pear slices to the hot pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until distinct grill marks are visible and the pears are slightly tender but still hold their shape. The grilling process will bring out the natural sweetness of the pears, adding a wonderful caramelized flavor. Once grilled, remove the pear slices from the pan and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble Salad: Once the grilled pears have cooled slightly, arrange them artfully over the bed of mixed greens. Evenly sprinkle the goat cheese crumbles over the salad. If using gorgonzola, gently crumble it over the greens. Finish by scattering the toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) across the salad, adding a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, generously pour the Simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette (recipe below) over the assembled salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible symphony of flavors and textures!
Choosing Your Greens, Pears, and Enhancements
The foundation of any great salad is its greens. For this recipe, a mixed greens blend provides an excellent variety of textures and subtle flavors. Arugula brings a delightful peppery note, baby spinach offers tenderness, and baby romaine contributes a satisfying crispness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other greens like radicchio for a touch of bitterness or butter lettuce for a delicate, buttery feel. The key is to ensure your greens are fresh and thoroughly dried to allow the vinaigrette to cling beautifully without diluting its flavor.
When it comes to pears, Bartlett pears are recommended for their sweet flavor and good texture, but Anjou or Bosc pears are also fantastic choices for grilling. Look for pears that are firm but slightly yielding, indicating ripeness. Slicing them uniformly ensures even cooking and appealing presentation. Grilling is not just about heating; it’s about transforming the pear’s sugars into a rich, caramelized sweetness that is truly unique.
The goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pears. Its soft texture crumbles easily and melts slightly when it comes into contact with the warm pears, creating pockets of rich flavor. As mentioned, if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, a robust blue cheese like gorgonzola can provide a similar creamy texture with a sharper, more intense flavor profile that pairs equally well with sweet fruit. Toasted pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) contribute a vital crunch and an earthy, nutty flavor that rounds out the salad beautifully. You can easily toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, or purchase them pre-toasted.
The Simple Secret to a Stellar Dressing: Apple Cider Vinaigrette
No salad is complete without the perfect dressing, and this Simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a testament to how easy it is to make a flavorful dressing from scratch. Store-bought dressings often contain unnecessary additives and sugars, but a homemade vinaigrette allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference. This vinaigrette is bright, tangy, and subtly sweet, providing the ideal counterpoint to the richness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the pears. Its simplicity means it comes together in mere minutes, making it a staple you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.
Print Recipe
Simple Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Author: Aggie Goodman
Yield: 1 serving 1x
This effortless apple cider vinaigrette is the perfect complement to a wide range of salads. Its bright, tangy flavor with a hint of Dijon mustard provides a refreshing lift to any dish, especially those featuring fruits and cheeses. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal choice for healthy meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 TB of apple cider vinegar (look for raw, unfiltered for best flavor and health benefits)
- 1 TB of extra virgin olive oil (high quality makes a difference)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4–1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard (acts as an emulsifier and adds depth)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Gather all ingredients for the vinaigrette. Place the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a small mason jar or a resealable tupperware container. Ensure the lid is tightly secured.
- Shake Until Blended: Vigorously shake the jar or container until all the ingredients are completely blended and emulsified, forming a creamy, homogenous dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a bit more salt, pepper, or even a touch of honey for extra sweetness if your vinegar is particularly sharp. This vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake again before each use.
Tips for Success and Creative Variations
Achieving the perfect grilled pear salad is easy with a few simple tips. Firstly, ensure your grill pan (or outdoor grill) is hot enough to create those desirable grill marks, but not so hot that it burns the pears before they tenderize. A light coating of cooking spray or a brush of olive oil on the pears themselves can prevent sticking. Don’t rush the cooling process for the pears; allowing them to cool slightly ensures they maintain their texture when mixed with the greens and don’t wilt them prematurely.
This salad is wonderfully versatile and invites creativity. Consider these variations to make it your own:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, top your salad with grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, crispy bacon, or even toasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
- Other Grilled Fruits: Experiment with other grilled fruits like peaches, nectarines, or even apples. Each fruit will bring its unique sweetness and texture.
- Nut Alternatives: While pumpkin seeds are fantastic, walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds can be substituted for a different nutty crunch. Ensure they are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Beyond gorgonzola, crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or even a mild, shaved Parmesan can offer delightful variations to the creamy, tangy element.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint, basil, or chives can add another layer of aromatic freshness.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Embrace seasonality! In the summer, try grilled berries or stone fruit. In fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes could be a delicious addition.
This salad is also excellent for meal prep. You can grill the pears and toast the pumpkin seeds ahead of time, storing them separately. The vinaigrette can be made and kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the greens remain crisp and fresh.
Embrace the Joy of Flavorful Salads
This Mixed Greens with Grilled Pears and Goat Cheese Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of eating fresh, wholesome food. By incorporating simple yet impactful techniques like grilling fruit and crafting your own vinaigrette, you can transform everyday ingredients into a memorable culinary experience. It’s proof that healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting, preventing the dreaded “salad boredom” and encouraging a continuous journey of taste discovery. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that grill pan, and prepare to fall in love with salads all over again. Don’t forget to share your creations using #aggieskitchen!
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Salads on Pinterest.