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Fennel, Pear and Radicchio Salad with Walnuts and Pecorino

Fennel, Pear and Radicchio Salad with Walnuts and Pecorino

By Courtney HillSeptember 23, 2021

  • Makes
    6 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes

Key to this salad’s appeal is its play of contrasting flavors and textures. For that reason, the pear should be juicy and tender, yet still a bit firm. We like Bosc pears, but any variety would work, even crisp, apple-like Asian pears (which are large, so you will need only one). If available, use an aged sherry vinegar labeled as “reserva” (aged at least two years) or “gran reserva” (aged at least 10 years). These are smoother, richer and more complex than inexpensive younger sherry vinegars. This easy yet elegant salad makes an excellent first course, or serve it as a side to roasted pork, lamb or chicken.

Tip

Don’t toss the walnuts into the salad, as they tend to get lost in the mix. Instead, sprinkle them over the top, before finishing with additional cheese and olive oil.

Ingredients
  • ¼

    cup sherry vinegar (see headnote)

  • 1

    tablespoon honey

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    large or 2 small fennel bulbs (about 1 pound), trimmed, halved lengthwise, cored and thinly sliced crosswise

  • 1

    medium shallot, minced

  • ½

    cup walnuts

  • 1

    small head radicchio (about 8 ounces), quartered, cored and sliced ¼ inch thick

  • 3

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

  • 2

    ripe but firm Bosc pears, stemmed, quartered, cored and thinly sliced lengthwise

  • 1

    ounces pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (1 cup), plus more to serve

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the fennel and shallot; toss, then let stand, tossing once or twice, while you toast and chop the walnuts. In an 8-inch skillet over medium, toast the walnuts, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool, then roughly chop.

Step 2

To the bowl, add the radicchio and oil; toss until combined and evenly dressed. Add the pears and cheese, then toss gently. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter. Sprinkle with the walnuts and additional grated cheese and drizzle with additional oil.