Mâche Salad with Figs and Pears

Crisp pears, soft, rich figs and tender mâche create a great mix of flavors and textures in this elegant salad. A mandoline is helpful for creating uniformly thin apple and pear slices.

Ingredients:

For the vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 Tbs. golden balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 1/2 lb. (250 g) mâche (about 6 cups)
  • 2 firm but ripe pears, halved, cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 apples, halved, cored and thinly sliced
  • 12 figs, halved lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g) coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
  • 1/4 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g) crumbled feta
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey and salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl, combine the mâche, pears, apples, figs and hazelnuts. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with the feta, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen