Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon

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🥗 Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon

Description

This elegant Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. Fresh baby spinach provides a tender base, ripe pears add natural sweetness, creamy Brie brings richness, and toasted walnuts offer a satisfying crunch. Everything is tied together with a tangy-sweet honey Dijon vinaigrette, making this salad ideal as a light lunch, dinner starter, or sophisticated side dish.

🍽️ Servings

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional, for toasting nuts)
Total Time: 20 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

Salad

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

  • 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), thinly sliced

  • 4 oz Brie cheese, cubed or sliced

  • ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted

  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)

Honey Dijon Dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1½ tbsp honey (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🥄 Instructions

  1. Toast the Walnuts (Optional but Recommended)
    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let cool.

  2. Prepare the Dressing
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  3. Assemble the Salad
    In a large salad bowl, add spinach, pear slices, Brie, walnuts, and cranberries (if using).

  4. Dress and Serve
    Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat without breaking the Brie. Serve immediately.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Choose ripe but firm pears to prevent excess juice from wilting the spinach.

  • Brie rind is edible; remove it only if you prefer a milder texture.

  • Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Add grilled chicken or prosciutto to make it a complete meal.

  • Chill pears briefly before slicing for extra crispness.

  • For extra depth, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing.

  • Use a light hand when tossing to keep the salad visually appealing.

🧠 Health Benefits

  • Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants

  • Pears: High in fiber and vitamin C

  • Walnuts: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids

  • Brie (in moderation): Provides calcium and protein

  • Honey Dijon Dressing: Healthier alternative to sugar-heavy dressings

This salad supports heart health, digestion, and balanced energy, making it both nourishing and indulgent.

📊 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal

  • Protein: 7 g

  • Fat: 24 g

  • Carbohydrates: 20 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sugar: 12 g

  • Sodium: 220 mg

Values are estimates and vary by ingredient brands.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes. Replace Brie with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Q: What other nuts can I use?
A: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work beautifully.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can prep ingredients separately, but assemble and dress just before serving.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: What pairs well with this salad?
A: Roasted chicken, salmon, crusty bread, or a light soup.

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