Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with this Grilled Pears with Candied Pecans Over Mixed Greens recipe—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky! Juicy, caramelized pear halves are lightly charred on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness, while buttery candied pecans add a delightful crunch. Nestled atop fresh mixed greens and sprinkled with creamy feta cheese, this salad is drizzled with a homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette for a tangy-sweet finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this elegant, restaurant-worthy dish is ideal for dinner parties, light lunches, or as a show-stopping holiday side. Perfect for pear season and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe that highlights simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Slice the pears in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and brush the cut sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Place the pears cut-side down on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Flip and grill for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
While the pears are grilling, prepare the candied pecans. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pecans and granulated sugar, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and coats the pecans evenly, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool and harden.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Divide the mixed salad greens among four serving plates and sprinkle each with crumbled feta cheese.
Slice the grilled pears into wedges and arrange them on top of the greens. Scatter candied pecans over the salad.
Drizzle with the honey Dijon vinaigrette and serve immediately.
Calories |
2970 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 181.5 g | 233% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.5 g | 302% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 24.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 276 mg | 92% | |
| Sodium | 3045 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 317.9 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.8 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 278.4 g | ||
| Protein | 49.5 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1379 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1531 mg | 33% | |
*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.