Description
Winter Pear Salad is a fresh, seasonal salad combining crisp greens, juicy pears, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese — light yet festive and perfect for a winter meal or holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese
- 1/2 cup candied or toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- For the vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Set aside the vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens.
- Top the greens with sliced pears, crumbled goat or blue cheese, nuts, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and red onion slices if using.
- Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine (or serve the dressing on the side so guests can add it themselves).
Notes
- Slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning; if prepping ahead, store sliced pears submerged in a little lemon‑water.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan depending on your preference.
- For extra crunch or a nut-free version, swap the nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- To make it more substantial, add roasted butternut squash or grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
