Pear Pancetta And Walnut Salad Recipes

WATERCRESS, ROCKET, SWEET PEAR, WALNUT AND PARMESAN SALAD

Steps:

• What a pukka combination, simple and classy. Don't try to make this when you feel like it, make it when you can buy perfect pears, otherwise it will taste naff. For 1 person I normally use around 1/2 a pear, 2 big handfuls of watercress and 2 big handfuls of rocket. If the pear skins are nice I just give them a wash, if not I remove them with a peeler. Then cut them in 1/2 and deseed. It doesn't really matter how you cut them up. Sometimes in big rough chunks, maybe sliced up or even grated. Then place into a bowl with the watercress and rocket. The pepperiness of the leaves works so well with the sweetness of the pear. Drizzle with good extra-virgin olive oil just to coat, a small squeeze of lemon juice (because the pear juice is slightly acidic but very tasty), and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all this together and serve. Shave over Parmesan or pecornio, crumble your nuts over and tuck in. I love this salad with roasted meat or as a starter on its own.

SPINACH, PEAR AND PANCETTA SALAD

Steps:

• Sauté pancetta in nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Pour drippings in skillet into bowl. Add shallots, vinegar, mustard and thyme; whisk to blend. Add oil; whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
• Combine spinach, pears, red onion and pancetta in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Surround salad with radicchio leaves and serve.