Even pears that aren’t quite ripe become extraordinarily delicious when roasted until sweet and caramelized. Here, they make the perfect counterpoint to a beautiful mix of bitter greens.
For the salad
- 8 firm-ripe Bosc pears (4 lb), peeled, cored, and each cut lengthwise into 8 wedges
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small head chicory
- 1 small head escarole
- 1 small head radicchio
- 1 bunch watercress, coarse stems discarded
- 1 bunch mizuna*, coarse stems discarded
- 1 small head romaine
For the dressing
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
Roast pears and make salad:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
Toss pears with oil and spread in 1 layer in a 17- by 12-inch shallow baking pan, then season with salt and pepper. Roast pears, stirring and turning over twice, until pears are tender and beginning to brown, 20 to 30 minutes, then cool about 15 minutes.
While pears are roasting and cooling, tear enough tender chicory and escarole leaves (discard ribs) into bite-size pieces to measure 6 cups total. Tear enough radicchio, watercress, mizuna, and romaine into bite-size pieces to measure 10 cups total. Toss torn greens in a large bowl and reserve remaining greens for another use. Since you are buying whole heads or bunches of greens you might find that you have too much. Save some for another day or use all of the greens. You might need to increase the dressing amounts if you prefer well coated greens.
Make dressing and toss salad:
Whisk together shallot, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
Just before serving, add roasted pears and dressing to greens and toss to combine well.
Cooks’ notes: Salad greens can be washed and dried 1 day ahead, then chilled, wrapped in paper towels, in a sealed plastic bag. Pears can be roasted 4 hours ahead and kept at room temperature.
*This is a Japanese green related to mustard greens and is nutrient dense. You could substitute dandelion greens or arugula in its place if you can’t find it.