Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of mixed greens
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese, shaved
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, shaved Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
2. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mixed greens can be substituted with any leafy greens of your choice
- Pears can be substituted with apples or any other fruit of your choice
- Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese of your choice
- Walnuts can be substituted with any nuts of your choice
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with any dried fruit of your choice
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Substitute the balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor
- Add sliced red onions or avocado for extra flavor and texture
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the pears for a more uniform look
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes for added crunch and flavor
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave the Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Reheating instructions:
- None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates
- Garnish with additional shaved Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese and chopped walnuts
Garnishes:
- Additional shaved Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese and chopped walnuts
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out
Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using
Food history:
- Pecorino della Costa Apuana cheese is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the Tuscany region of Italy
Flavor profiles:
- The salad has a sweet and savory flavor profile with a mix of crunchy and creamy textures
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner
Related Categories
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Region: Italian