Pear Salad with Baked Goat Cheese

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pear salad

Prep Time: 25

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 552kcal

Author: Malinda Linnebur

Needing a new salad to impress your loved ones? This Pear Salad with Baked Goat Cheese is perfect! Its amazing combination of flavors with the juicy pear, creamy slightly tangy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and refreshing greens makes this salad perfect for all occasions!

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Ingredients

BAKED GOAT CHEESE

½ cup (65g) breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
3 tablespoons minced chives
3 tablespoons minced parsley
10 ounces (297g) firm goat cheese

DRESSING

3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

PEAR SALAD

16 ounces (453g) mixed salad greens
2 large pears
⅓ cup (42g) chopped pistachios

Instructions

BAKED GOAT CHEESE

Preheat oven to 475°F.
Before starting place the goat cheese in the freezer. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Combine the eggs and dijon mustard in a second shallow bowl. Combine the herbs in a third shallow bowl.
Remove goat cheese from freezer and slice into 10 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and roll in the herbs, then egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs. Flatten and shape into a medallion and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes. Let cool a couple of minutes before serving.

DRESSING

Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Can also pour in a mason jar and shake well to combine.

PEAR SALAD

While the goat cheese is baking place salad greens in a large serving bowl. Top with cored and sliced pears then sprinkle with pistachios. Can toss with the salad dressing or let everyone dress their own. Place warm goat cheese on top of salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

GOAT CHEESE SUBSTITUTIONS: If you aren't a fan of goat cheese try using one of these instead: blue cheese, mild cheddar, feta, gouda, or even parmesan. If you are using a blue cheese choose one that isn't too creamy or too dry. I suggest using Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or British Stilton. They are slightly creamy but still firm enough to crumble.
NUT SUBSTITUTIONS: Replace the pistachios with any of the following: pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Also, using any of these nuts in candied form is also delicious!
SALAD GREENS SUBSTITUTIONS: You can replace it with arugula or even baby spinach.
If the process of baking the goat cheese bothers you, skip the breading and baking process and place slices on top of the salad.

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