Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad
Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad Recipe from United Kingdom
Introduction
This Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests. The creamy goat's cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet pears and crunchy walnuts, while the tangy lemon dressing ties everything together beautifully.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on the classic combination of cheese, fruit, and nuts in salads. Goat's cheese has been enjoyed for centuries in various forms, and its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a popular choice for salads. Pears and walnuts are also a classic pairing, adding sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Ingredients
- A few torn lettuce leaves
- 225 g (8 oz) goat's cheese, split into 4 discs
- 4 ripe pears, cored and chunked
- 110 g (4 oz) chopped walnuts
- A bunch of trimmed watercress
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 tbsp olive oil
How to prepare
- Arrange the lettuce on four plates and top with the goat's cheese.
- Mix together the pears, walnuts, and watercress.
- Blend the lemon juice and oil together, then toss into the salad ingredients.
- Serve on top of the cheese.
- Then serve it from 10:00-12:00 am.
- I loved it.
Variations
- Try using different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or feta, for a different flavor profile.
- Add some sliced red onions or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and tang.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor and texture.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.
- Be sure to toss the salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing the delicate pears.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a great starter or light lunch. Serve it with crusty bread or a side of soup for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor.
- Be sure to toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the delicate pears.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of lettuce in place of the torn lettuce leaves.
- Feel free to substitute the pears with apples or another type of fruit.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the salad ingredients in a visually appealing way on the plate, with the goat's cheese as the centerpiece.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat the salad, as the goat's cheese will become too soft.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 30 grams of fat, primarily from the goat's cheese and olive oil.
Proteins
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 15 grams of protein, mainly from the goat's cheese and walnuts.
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is a good source of vitamin C from the pears and lemon juice, as well as vitamin K from the watercress. It also provides a dose of healthy fats from the olive oil.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (goat's cheese) and nuts (walnuts), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Overall, this salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
This Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy walnuts is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. She was known for her incredible culinary skills, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.
As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up, Margaret suddenly pulled out a small, tattered recipe book from her drawer. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, her eyes lighting up as she landed on the page for Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad.
"Oh, this is one of my absolute favorite recipes," Margaret exclaimed. "It's the perfect combination of flavors and textures. You have to try it!"
I watched as Margaret effortlessly whipped up the salad, combining slices of ripe pear, crumbled goat's cheese, and crunchy walnuts with a simple vinaigrette dressing. The colors and aromas that filled the kitchen were simply irresistible.
As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The creamy goat's cheese paired perfectly with the sweet pear and nutty walnuts, creating a harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.
From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe myself. I begged Margaret to teach me the ins and outs of creating the perfect Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad, and she happily obliged.
Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in Margaret's kitchen, soaking up her wisdom and learning the art of creating this delectable dish. I watched as she carefully selected the ripest pears, the creamiest goat's cheese, and the freshest walnuts, ensuring that every ingredient was of the highest quality.
I learned how to balance the flavors of the salad, adjusting the amount of vinaigrette and seasoning to perfection. I discovered the importance of presentation, arranging the ingredients in a way that was both visually stunning and delicious.
But most importantly, I learned the joy of sharing this recipe with others. I introduced Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad to my family and friends, watching as their eyes lit up with delight upon tasting it for the first time.
As the years passed, I continued to make this salad for special occasions and gatherings, each time adding my own unique twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would sprinkle a bit of honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness, or add a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.
No matter how I chose to prepare it, one thing remained constant – the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something truly special in my kitchen. Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress and delight those who tried it.
And as I look back on those fond memories of learning this recipe from Margaret, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of culinary knowledge that she passed down to me. Her wisdom and expertise have shaped me into the cook that I am today, and for that, I will always be thankful.
So the next time you find yourself in need of a delicious and elegant salad to serve to your loved ones, I urge you to give Goat's Cheese with Pear and Walnut Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed – and who knows, maybe one day you'll pass on this recipe to someone special in your life, just as Margaret did for me.
Categories
| British Recipes | British Salads | Goat Cheese Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Lettuce Recipes | Pear Recipes | Walnut Recipes | Watercress Recipes |