Poached pear and goat cheese salad
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
American, International
Poached pear and goat cheese salad
Description
Poached pear and goat cheese salad combines gently cooked pears with fresh mixed greens and a flavorful vinaigrette. The pears are simmered in a mix of sweet white wine, sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel until tender but not mushy, giving the salad a delicate fruitiness with subtle spice undertones. A pear shallot vinaigrette blends pear vinegar, olive oil, shallots, and seasonings, adding a tangy and aromatic dressing that binds the salad effectively.
The addition of herbed goat cheese, piped onto the pear halves or slices, contributes creamy texture and a mild tang to complement the poached fruit. The salad is assembled by tossing the greens in vinaigrette, layering the pears on top, and adding the goat cheese for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
This salad works well as a starter or alongside dishes that benefit from a light, refreshing salad with a combination of sweet, savory, and creamy elements.
Ingredients
For the poached pears
- 3 pear the Bosc variety are great for poaching, firm
- 3 cups sweet white wine Riesling or Gewurztraminer
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 orange peel strips
For the pear shallot vinaigrette:
- 3 tbs pear vinegar if you wan't find pear vinegar you can use apple cider vinegar
- 6 tbs olive oil
- 2 shallot peeled and chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 6-8 cups mixed greens
- 6-8 tbs goat cheese room temperature, herbed
Instructions
To poach the pears:
- Heat the wine, sugar, cinnamon and orange peel in a large saucepan, stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile peel the pears, cut them in half and core them; add them to the wine mix once it boils.
- Cook until the pears are tender but still slightly firm, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let the pears cool down.
For the pear shallot vinaigrette:
- To prepare the vinaigrette combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix well. Taste and adjust salt/vinegar/oil if needed.
To assemble the salad:
- Toss the salad greens with the vinaigrette and arrange on a plate.
- Place each ½ pear on top of the salad greens or alternatively you can slice the pear halves and arrange the slices on top of the mixed greens.
- Put the herbed goat cheese in a pastry bag and add a squirt either in the indention of the pear half, or on the sides.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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