Winter Market Salad with Collard Greens, Roasted Pear, Goat Cheese, Candied Ginger and Smoked Almonds
A bright and cozy winter salad built around raw massaged collards, warm roasted pears, creamy goat cheese, candied ginger and crunchy smoked almonds. A simple lemon olive oil vinaigrette brings everything together.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for vinaigrette
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large bunch collard greens stems removed and leaves finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for massaging
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ripe but firm pears cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for pears
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons candied ginger finely chopped
- ⅓ cup smoked almonds chopped
Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the sliced collard greens in a large bowl. Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Massage the greens with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until they darken, soften and reduce in volume.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the pear slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and spread in a single layer. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly caramelized and tender. Let them cool slightly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper until emulsified.
- Add the roasted pear slices to the bowl with the collards. Top with goat cheese crumbles, candied ginger and chopped smoked almonds.
- Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and gently toss. Taste and adjust with more lemon or a pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
If the pears are very ripe, reduce roasting time so they do not collapse.
Candied ginger adds a warm sweetness; feel free to use less if you want it more subtle.
Smoked almonds bring a deep cozy flavor; regular roasted almonds work too.
This salad holds well for meal prep if you keep the dressing separate until serving.
Candied ginger adds a warm sweetness; feel free to use less if you want it more subtle.
Smoked almonds bring a deep cozy flavor; regular roasted almonds work too.
This salad holds well for meal prep if you keep the dressing separate until serving.