We love to make this roasted pear and apple salad in the fall with all the freshly harvested apples and pears!
It is topped with prosciutto, cinnamon pecans, pepitas, gorgonzola and raisins then tossed with the most stunning caramelized shallot maple vinaigrette.
Ingredients for Roasted Apple Salad
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this salad recipe:
- Prosciutto – adds crunch and smoky delicious flavor
- Honeycrisp Apples (or Jonagold) – these apples hold up great to roasting and the flavor is the best
- Bartlett Pear (or Bosc) – become so flavorful and delicious when roasting
- Cinnamon Pecans (or Hazelnuts) – You can buy these at the store or make them on your own. See section below for how to make them at home.
- Olive Oil – helps keep the apples and pears from sticking to the pan
- Black Pepper – adds flavor
- Mixed Greens with Arugula – If your container of mixed greens doesn’t include arugula then buy some arugula and add it. Arugula just shines in this salad!!
- Gorgonzola – We love gorgonzola but it is easily substituted with any cheese you love. Try smoked cheddar, gouda, goat cheese, manchego, gruyere, etc.
- Pepitas – adds a yummy little crunch and nutty flavor
- Golden Raisins – can be replaced with regular raisins, craisins or pomegranate seeds
Vinaigrette
This recipe was inspired by a Taste of Home recipe I was reading. It just sounded so good and it was fabulous on this salad! Here is what you will need:
- Shallots – have a mild onion flavor and caramelize quickly
- Kosher Salt – adds a touch of flavor to the shallots as they caramelize
- Maple Syrup – use the real stuff!
- White Balsamic Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar) – you gotta have vinegar for a vinaigrette, both these options are sweet and tangy
- Olive Oil – the base of the vinaigrette
The measurements for each ingredient in the salad and in the homemade dressing are listed in the recipe card at the end of this post.
What Apples are Best for Salads?
I am forever loyal to honeycrisp apples! Jonagold will also work great. If you can’t find those or if they are too expensive (they can get quite pricey), then go with gala, granny smith, or Braeburn.
How to Roast Apples and Pears
Roasting apples and pears is so easy! You will want to slice them pretty thin, cutting the pears a little thicker than the apples. Then lay them on a baking sheet that has been drizzled with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Make sure all the slices are in a single layer. Place them in a preheated oven (425 degrees) and let them roast for 10 minutes. Then flip them all over and roast them for about 5 more minutes or until they are golden.
How to