Lunch: Grilled Pear, Chicory, and Endive Salad

Recipe by Charlotte March When grilled, pears take on an appealing savoriness. Paired with rich nuts, cheese, and a variety of cold-weather greens, they make an unusual (and quick) main-course salad.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Nuts, Walnuts

Health and fertility benefits of Grilled Pear, Chicory, and Endive 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. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss.

Ingredients

4 small firm-ripe pears, such as Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc (about 2 lbs. total)
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 small head radicchio
2 small heads frisée
2 Belgian endives
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
3/4 cup toasted walnuts
3 ounces ricotta salata or pecorino cheese

Instructions

Heat a grill to medium-high (about 450 °). Quar­ter pears lengthwise; stem and core. Toss pears in a bowl with 1 tbsp. oil; season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Grill pears until lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, tear radicchio, frisée, and endives into 2- to 3-in. pieces. You should have about 12 cups.
In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Slowly whisk in remaining 1/2 cup oil.
Combine parsley, walnuts, and ricotta in a food processor; pulse until coarsely ground.
Toss warm pears and chicories in vinaigrette. Spread about 2 tbsp. walnut-ricotta mixture on each of 4 plates, then top with salad. Scatter remaining walnut-ricotta mixture over salads.

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