Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can bake the prosciutto, cook the farro, whisk together the dressing, and shave the parmesan ahead of time. Wait until just before serving to assemble.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap out the farro for another grain, such as quinoa or wild rice or use roasted squash or sweet potatoes .

What could I use instead of prosciutto?

Bacon and crispy pancetta cubes are great alternatives, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, I think this lovely white balsamic homemade vinaigrette or pomegranate vinaigrette would be so good.

How can I make this vegan?

Replace the prosciutto with crispy chickpeas, use a vegan Parmesan alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Pear and Pecan Salad with Crispy Prosciutto and Parmesan

Description

This fresh, fall-inspired pear and pecan salad checks all the boxes of crisp, salty, sweet, crunchy and perfect for weekday lunches or holiday dinners!

Ingredients

Units Scale

3oz sliced prosciutto
1/2 cup uncooked farro
6-8 cups mixed greens
2 small Bartlett pears, sliced or cubed
1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cherries
2oz parmesan cheese, shaved
honey lemon dressing

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lay 3oz (about 8 pieces) prosciutto completely flat on the baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until golden and perfectly crispy. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Rinse the farro under cold water. Add it to a saucepan with plenty of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Drain the farro, return it to the saucepan and fluff with a fork.
Whisk together the honey lemon dressing.
To a large salad bowl or serving platter, layer the mixed greens, sliced pears, pecans, dried cherries, farro and crispy prosciutto. Use a vegetable peeler to shave chunks of parmesan cheese over the salad. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss. Devour!

Notes

Refer to above blog post for ingredient tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (as a side dish)
Calories: 291
Sugar: 11.4 g
Sodium: 368 mg
Fat: 17.4 g
Carbohydrates: 26.5 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 13.2 mg