Holiday Pear and Fennel Salad

Holiday Pear and Fennel Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients

DRESSING

  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

SALAD

  • 6 cups arugula
  • 1 large fennel bulb (see Cook's Tips) (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (chopped)
  • 2 ripe Comice pears (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta

Optional Ingredients

  • Fennel fronds

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, make dressing by whisking together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while constantly whisking. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, fennel, and half the walnuts. Add half the dressing and toss well.
  3. Divide salad among serving plates. Top with sliced pears, remaining walnuts, and cheese. Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with fennel fronds, if desired.

Cook Tips

Use a mandoline to create extra-thin fennel slices. If desired, marinate fennel in salad dressing 15 minutes before adding to arugula and walnuts.

Since oil and vinegar don't mix well, slowly drizzling olive oil, while constantly whisking, will create an emulsified dressing that coats the salad beautifully. Wrap a damp towel around base of bowl to hold it in place while whisking.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 270
  • Fat: 22.0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 10.0 mg
  • Sodium: 540.0 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 18.0 g
  • Fiber: 4.0 g
  • Added Sugars: 0 g
  • Sugar: 11.0 g
  • Protein: 5.0 g