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Griddled Pears with Goat's Cheese & Hazelnut Dressing

Griddled Pears with Goat's Cheese & Hazelnut Dressing is a delightful dish that beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy creaminess of goat's cheese. Drizzled with a rich hazelnut dressing, this dish is perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or a stunning addition to a festive table. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

### For the Griddled Pears:

- 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Goat's Cheese:

- 150 g soft goat's cheese (crumbled)

### For the Hazelnut Dressing:

- 50 g hazelnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)

- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

### Preparing the Hazelnut Dressing:

    In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts and set aside.

      ### Griddling the Pears:

        Preheat a griddle pan over medium heat.

          Brush the cut sides of the pear halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

            Place the pears cut-side down on the griddle and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden and have nice grill marks. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.

              ### Assembling the Dish:

                Remove the griddled pears from the pan and place them on a serving platter.

                  Sprinkle the crumbled goat's cheese over the warm pears.

                    Drizzle the hazelnut dressing generously over the top.

                      Notes

                      • Additional Tips: For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as arugula or microgreens.
                      • Storage: This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the pears gently if desired.
                      • Variations: You can substitute the goat's cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

                      Final Thoughts:

                      Griddled Pears with Goat's Cheese & Hazelnut Dressing is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of autumn. The combination of warm, sweet pears with creamy cheese and nutty dressing creates a harmonious balance that is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
                      Keyword Autumn baking, Goat's cheese salad, Griddled pears, Hazelnut dressing, Vegetarian dish