Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of pears with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic spinach salad, which has been a popular dish for many years. The addition of pears and Dijon mustard vinaigrette gives this salad a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 tbsp water
1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp dijon mustard
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 pears (bosc or anjou), cored and sliced lengthwise
8 cups torn fresh spinach
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a small bowl, whisk together the water, vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
In a large bowl, add the pear slices and 2 tbsp of the vinaigrette, then toss to coat.
Add the remaining dressing, spinach, and onion to the bowl, then toss to coat.

Variations

Add crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Substitute arugula or mixed greens for the spinach.
Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Notes

Cook Time:
Serves: 4

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.

- Be sure to toss the pear slices in the vinaigrette before adding the spinach to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as nuts, cheese, or dried fruit to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the vinaigrette ensures that the ingredients are well combined.

- Tossing the salad ingredients gently ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey.

- White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of red wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The salad ingredients can be prepared and stored separately, then combined just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with additional pear slices or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad is best served fresh and should not be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This salad contains approximately 200 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 25 grams per serving.

Fats

The olive oil in the Dijon mustard vinaigrette provides healthy fats, with around 10 grams per serving.

Proteins

This salad is not a significant source of protein, with only about 2 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Pears are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and may contain allergens such as nuts or dairy if added as toppings.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a healthy and nutritious option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins.

Summary

Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. With a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down through generations in our family, and there it was - a simple yet elegant salad that combined the freshness of spinach with the sweetness of pears and the tanginess of Dijon mustard.

My mother, a master in the kitchen, explained to me that this recipe had been given to her by a dear friend who had traveled to France and learned it from a local chef. She told me stories of how they had spent hours in the kitchen together, laughing and sharing secrets as they prepared meals for their families. I was captivated by the idea of cooking being not just a means of nourishment, but a way to connect with others and create memories that would last a lifetime.

With my mother's guidance, I set out to make the Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette for the first time. I carefully washed and dried the spinach leaves, slicing them into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Next, I peeled and sliced the ripe pears, arranging them on top of the spinach in a colorful display. The contrast of the deep green leaves against the golden pears was a sight to behold.

For the vinaigrette, I mixed together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. The sharp aroma of the mustard combined with the tangy vinegar created a mouth-watering dressing that I drizzled over the salad. I tossed everything together gently, making sure each leaf was coated with the delicious vinaigrette.

As I took my first bite of the Spinach and Pear Salad, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The crispness of the spinach, the juiciness of the pears, and the zing of the mustard all worked together in perfect harmony. I could taste the care and love that had gone into creating this dish, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette countless times, each time bringing back memories of that first magical experience in the kitchen with my mother. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of good food and good company wherever I go. And every time I take a bite of this salad, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, the simple act of cooking a meal for someone you love can be a source of comfort and connection. The Spinach and Pear Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette has become more than just a recipe to me - it is a symbol of the joy and warmth that can be found in sharing a delicious meal with those you hold dear. And for that, I am eternally grateful.