Chicory Salad with Pear Toasted Walnut and Maple Vinaigrette
Brighten up your table with this chicory salad starring crisp pears, toasted walnuts, and a luscious maple vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Featuring a mix of peppery chicory greens like endive or radicchio, this recipe celebrates vibrant, seasonal ingredients in a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The toasted walnuts add a warm, nutty crunch, while the optional crumbled blue cheese delivers a touch of creamy indulgence. The homemade maple dressing, made with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, ties it all together with its silky texture and irresistible flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this elegant salad is perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing side dish any night of the week. Whether you're looking for a modern appetizer or a light, wholesome main, this chicory salad is the ideal blend of sophistication and simplicity.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 heads chicory (endive or radicchio)
- 2 medium ripe pears
- 0.5 cups walnuts
- 0.25 cups crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the chicory by removing any tough outer leaves, then slicing the heads lengthwise into thin strips. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner. Set aside.
Core the pears and slice them thinly. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color.
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for around 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
To make the maple vinaigrette, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk to create a smooth emulsion.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chicory, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts. If using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the salad.
Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
373 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.8 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 507 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 476 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
