Poached Pear and Fig Salad with Caramelised Walnuts

HealthAgenda
Recipes

Poached Pear and Fig Salad with Caramelised Walnuts

Updated December 2023 | 2 min read
Words by Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos

A modern Mediterranean salad that combines fresh figs, poached pear and leafy greens, topped with caramelised walnuts that are rich in plant omega-3 fats.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Poached Pears

  • 2 brown or green pears, quartered
  • 1.5 cups (375mL) sweet white wine, such as Moscato
  • Ground nutmeg

Salad

  • 1x 60g bag of mixed lettuce leaves
  • Small handful of rocket leaves
  • 200g broccolini
  • 1 tbsp pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2 tbsp toasted or caramelised walnuts
  • 4 fresh figs, quartered
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 20g blue cheese, crumbled

Method

  1. Put the pears and wine in a saucepan over high heat. Add a few pinches of nutmeg, then bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the pears using a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Divide the salad leaves, broccolini, olives, walnuts and figs between two serving plates. Arrange the poached pears on top of each salad, then drizzle with the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the blue cheese on top before serving.

Images and text from The Heart Health Guide by Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos. Pan Macmillan RRP $34.99.

Finding your way to a healthier life

Carrying extra weight can take its toll at any stage and age. That’s why we’ve partnered with Prima Health Solutions, to give eligible members free access to our Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program to help you improve your quality of life. This program is available to members who are overweight and have osteoarthritis*.

More Recipes

Mediterranean chicken

You can make endless variations of this chicken dish, and it works with lots of different vegies.

Stuffed Eggplants

The fresh, herby yoghurt dressing paired with the spicy, nutty and savoury flavour of the stuffing in a crispy eggplant skin is just magic.

Quinoa, Almond and Mint Salad

Sweet raisins, crunchy salted almonds and fresh herbs form an irresistible combination of flavours in this Moroccan salad.

Apple, Blueberry and Rhubarb Crumble

This easy apple crumble recipe is full of healthy fruits, oats and nuts, along with a kick of sugar and spice.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

* Eligibility criteria applies. For more information see hcf.com.au/hwfl

This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.