Are you craving a restaurant-quality salad that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than the Swiss Pear Supper Salad - a mouthwatering masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary sensation! This quick and sophisticated dish combines the crisp freshness of mixed greens, the sweet juiciness of pears, the rich creaminess of Swiss cheese, and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together with a tantalizing balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this salad promises to elevate your dining experience in just minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 large pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Wash the pear and slice it thinly, removing the core and stem. For best presentation, cut the slices into elegant half-moon shapes.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base, creating an even layer that covers the bottom of the bowl.
- Arrange the pear slices artfully across the top of the mixed greens, spacing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the pear slices, allowing some pieces to cascade onto the greens.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts across the salad, distributing them evenly for consistent crunch in each bite.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad, ensuring a light and even coating.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp greens and the contrast of cool pears with warm, toasted walnuts.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Bartlett or Anjou varieties work wonderfully.
- Toast walnuts carefully - watch them closely to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using aged Swiss cheese for a more intense, nutty profile.
- Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and prevent wilting.
- Experiment with different vinaigrettes - a honey mustard or apple cider vinaigrette can add interesting variations.
- If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing and nuts separate until just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform this side salad into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 227kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
