Fig-Dijon Bacon Goat Cheese Salad with Pear and Pecans

This salad is a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors. Crispy bacon pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese, while sweet pear balances crunchy pecans. The homemade fig-Dijon vinaigrette ties everything together with a sweet and tangy punch.

Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Fresh mixed greens provide the ideal base for this colorful and satisfying dish.

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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

4 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 all 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. Using a slotted spoon, 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 and a pinch of 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 coat. 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 different flavor profile.

How do I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and add extra pecans or another crunchy topping like roasted chickpeas.

Can I use a different fruit instead of pear?

Absolutely! Apple slices or dried cranberries would work well in this salad.