Description
Winter Pear Salad is a fresh, colorful mix of juicy pears, crisp greens, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and dried fruit, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. It’s the perfect seasonal salad for lunch, dinner, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- 1/3 cup candied or toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing. Taste and adjust as needed.
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with a light coating of the dressing.
- Layer sliced pears over the greens.
- Sprinkle with cheese, nuts, cranberries, and red onion if using.
- Drizzle additional dressing over the top or serve it on the side.
Notes
- Substitute apples for pears, or try roasted squash for a warm touch.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
- Use feta or Parmesan instead of blue cheese.
- For a nut-free version, use roasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Add Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
