Lunch: Escarole, Pear, Parmesan, and Basil Leaf Salad

Recipe by Mindy Fox Fresh basil and pears team up to offer a winning combination of delicate fruit and herbal notes to this bright, crisp salad.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Nuts, Basil

Health benefits of Escarole, Pear, Parmesan, and Basil Leaf Salad

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
Kosher salt
1 small garlic clove
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 heads of escarole (about 2 1/2 pounds), tough outer greens removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
2 Comice or Anjou pears, preferably red, cored, thinly sliced lengthwise
1/2 pound Parmesan, shaved
2 cups (packed) basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a small skillet over medium. Add hazelnuts and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden, 2 –3 minutes. Season with 1/8 tsp. kosher salt. Remove from heat; set aside.
Finely chop garlic clove. Using the side of a chef's knife, mash garlic with 1/4 tsp. kosher salt to form a paste. Whisk garlic paste, vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a slow and steady stream.
Place escarole, pears, Parmesan, basil, and about 1/3 of the reserved hazelnuts in a large bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette. Gently toss until salad is evenly dressed; season with sea salt and pepper. Top with remaining hazelnuts.