Gluten-Free Roasted Bacon-Wrapped Pear Salad
A sophisticated salad featuring sweet pears stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, served over mixed greens with a tangy maple vinaigrette. The combination of salty bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet pears creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for fall entertaining or as an elegant starter for dinner parties. The roasting process caramelizes the pears while rendering the bacon crispy, making each bite a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, maple-flavored or real
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pears, Bosc, Anjou or Red
- 3 oz chèvre cheese, goatcream cheese1:1vegetarian
milder flavor
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, maple-flavored or real
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- ½ cup pecans, toasted, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 425°F and place rack on cookie sheet
- 2
Beat vinaigrette ingredients with whisk until well blended and set aside
- 3
Cut pears in half and remove core
- 4
Stuff each pear half with heaping tablespoon cheese
- 5
Wrap 1 bacon slice around each pear half
- 6
Brush pears with maple syrup and sprinkle with pepper
- 7
Place on rack on cookie sheet
- 8
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until bacon is cooked
- 9
Place salad greens on each plate
- 10
Drizzle each with vinaigrette and sprinkle with pecans
- 11
Place 1 pear half on top of each salad
Tips
Use firm but ripe pears that will hold their shape during roasting without becoming mushy.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
Make the vinaigrette ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salads for up to 2 hours. Store components separately for best quality.
Make vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead. Toast pecans up to 1 week ahead and store airtight.
Serve immediately while pears are warm and bacon is crispy for best contrast of temperatures.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the pears or they'll become mushy and fall apart
Secure bacon with toothpicks if needed to prevent unwrapping during cooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
The vinaigrette and toasted pecans can be made ahead, but assemble the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.
What if I can't find goat cheese?
Cream cheese or ricotta work as substitutes, though they'll provide a milder flavor than the tangy goat cheese.
How do I know when the bacon is properly cooked?
The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, which typically takes 30-40 minutes at 425°F depending on thickness.