Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh green salad enhanced by sweet caramelized pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts for a balanced mix of textures and flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium ripe pears, goat cheese, mixed salad greens into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 2 medium ripe pears into 1/4-inch thick wedges, keeping the skin on. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter and add the pear slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly softened, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup walnuts and 3 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts, becoming glossy and fragrant. Transfer walnuts to parchment paper to cool.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large salad bowl, toss 5 cups mixed salad greens with the dressing until evenly coated. Arrange caramelized pear slices and crumbled 4 oz goat cheese over the greens. Sprinkle cooled candied walnuts on top and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium ripe pears from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caramelized Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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