Crisp prosciutto and seared pears topped with pomegranates, goat cheese and toasted walnuts over a bed of butter lettuce and frisee make for a quick and flavorful Fall salad.
3 ounces goat or gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Instructions
For the dressing
In a small bowl stir together shallot, Spanish sherry vinegar and balsamic vinegar. Gradually whisk in walnut oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
For the salad
In a medium hot frying pan, or on a griddle, fry the prosciutto a minute or so on each side, just until it is crisp. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Dip the pear quarters in the salad dressing, and then saute a couple minutes on each cut side, until pears have softened slightly and the cut edges have caramelized. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Toss the lettuce with the remaining salad dressing. Arrange on a big platter or on individual salad plates. Top with slices of pear, prosciutto, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Serve while pears are still warm.