Crispy Bacon and Goat Cheese Salad with Pear, Pecans and Fig-Dijon Vinaigrette

This salad is a true symphony of textures and flavors. Crispy bacon pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese, while sweet pear offsets the crunch of pecans. The star of the show is a sweet and tangy fig-Dijon vinaigrette that ties everything together.

Fresh mixed greens provide the perfect canvas for this masterpiece, where every forkful delivers a delightful surprise. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick, stress-free meal that feels special.

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Ingredients

0.5 ounce PecansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit PearView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Fig JamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Goat CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce. Halve, core and thinly slice the pear. Halve, peel and thinly slice the shallot. Crumble the goat cheese into a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cut the bacon into bite-size pieces. (Tip: Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon directly into the pan.) Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 4-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
3. In a small bowl, combine the fig jam, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pear and shallot. Add as much dressing as you like and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the salad among shallow bowls. Top with the crispy bacon, pecans and crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a similar creamy and tangy flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container and the greens, toppings and dressing in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance: cook the bacon, slice the pear and shallot and make the dressing. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.