Fig, Pear, And Walnut Salad

Fig, Pear and Walnut Salad

Gretchen McKay/Post-Gazette

Fig, pear and walnut salad

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By Gretchen McKay / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fig, Pear and Walnut Salad

Apples tend to get most of the love this time of year, but fall also is prime time for a variety of pears. My favorites are Bosc and Anjou pears, both of which are firm and sweet, and when sliced on top of a simple green salad elevate it to greatness.

Blue cheese pairs especially well with fresh pears, so that’s what I always crumble on top. Usually with abandon. Figs are another given, both to celebrate the season and to add a sweet counterbalance to the peppery, spicy bite of arugula.  

My fledgling fig tree didn’t bear fruit this year, so I used dried mission figs. If you’re not a walnut fan, substitute pecans or almonds. 

If you like, you can add a handful of homemade croutons for extra crunch.  But it’s just as nice served with crusty bread, and less work. 

For dressing

1 garlic clove, chopped with a pinch of salt into a paste

1 shallot, finely diced

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

Juice 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For salad

6 dried figs, sliced into bite-sized pieces, or 4 fresh figs, quartered

4 firm pears, halved, cored and thinly sliced

1 cup toasted walnuts

8 ounces blue cheese

3 cups spinach

3 cups arugula

Mix the dressing ingredients in jar with a lid, and shake well to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Place salad ingredients in a large bowl, and toss together with hands. Season with a little salt.

Add dressing, and toss lightly to combine. 

Makes 4 generous servings.