Honey-Roasted Pear Salad with Thyme Verjus Dressing

A sophisticated salad featuring honey-roasted Bartlett pears fanned out and served with mixed greens, blue cheese, and hazelnuts, all dressed in a fragrant thyme and verjus vinaigrette.

6 servings
1 hr

Ingredients

  • cup verjus or 3 tablespoons white grape juice and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • cup grapeseed oil
  • 1 large shallot
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 bunches fresh thyme sprigs
  • 4 whole Bartlett pears
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • 4 ounces baby arugula
  • 6 ounces blue cheese
  • ½ cup hazelnuts
  • toasted
  • coarsely chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk all ingredients in small bowl to blend. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Scatter thyme sprigs on rimmed baking sheet. Place pear halves, cut side down, on work surface. Starting 1/2 inch from stem and leaving pear half intact, cut each lengthwise into scant 1/3- to 1/2-inch-wide slices. Press pear gently to fan slices; place atop thyme sprigs. Drizzle pears with honey; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until pears are tender, about 15 minutes. Let stand on baking sheet at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.

    45 min

  3. 3.

    Combine lettuce and arugula in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Divide salad among plates. Place pear alongside greens. Garnish salads with cheese; sprinkle with nuts.

    10 min