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Watercress and Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts
A light and refreshing salad with peppery watercress, sweet pear, and crunchy candied walnuts. Perfect as a starter or side dish.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Calories
295
Level
Easy
Yields
4 servings
Cost
£1.27
Ingredients
Servings
4
5ozWatercress(washed and trimmed)
£1.25
2mediumRipe Pears(cored and thinly sliced)
£0.70
0.5cupWalnuts(roughly chopped)
£1.50
2tablespoonsSugar(granulated)
£0.05
1tablespoonWater
£1.25
2tablespoonsOlive Oil(extra virgin)
£0.15
1tablespoonBalsamic Vinegar
£0.10
1teaspoonDijon Mustard
£0.05
0.3teaspoonSalt
0.3teaspoonBlack Pepper(freshly ground)
£0.02
Total Cost
£5.07
£1.27 per serving
The Method
- 1
Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the walnuts, sugar, and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Continue cooking until the sugar caramelizes and the walnuts are golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- 2
Spread the candied walnuts on a piece of parchment paper to cool and separate. Once cool, break apart any clumps.
- 3
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 4
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watercress and sliced pears.
- 5
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- 6
Top the salad with the candied walnuts and serve immediately.
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My Notes
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition per serving (125g)
295 kcal / 1234 kJ
Carbs
24g
9% of RDA
Fat
22g
31% of RDA
Protein
4g
8% of RDA
Detailed Breakdown
Fibre
4 g
13% of RDA
Sugar
16 g
18% of RDA
Sodium
150 mg
7% of RDA
Saturated Fat
2.5 g
13% of RDA
Chef's Tips
For a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette.
To prevent the pears from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
This salad pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetable dishes, especially those with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic glaze.
For added flavour and texture, crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese can be added to the salad.
Cooking Equipment
Small saucepan
Large bowl
Whisk
Wine Pairings
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.
Complete the Meal
Main Course
Roasted Cauliflower and Cherry Tomato Medley with Balsamic Glaze
A simple and flavorful side dish featuring roasted cauliflower and sweet cherry tomatoes, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze.
45 minutes
4 servings
Easy"Pairs perfectly with this starter"
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