Imagine a salad that transforms ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Our Pecan and Pear Salad is not just a dish, it's an experience that combines the crisp sweetness of ripe pears, the rich crunch of toasted pecans, and the tangy elegance of feta cheese. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and gourmet enthusiasts alike, this recipe promises to elevate your salad game from mundane to magnificent in just 10 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mixed greens by washing thoroughly and patting dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Wash the pears and slice them thinly, removing the core. For best presentation, slice pears just before serving to prevent browning.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the other ingredients.
- Arrange the sliced pears decoratively over the mixed greens, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the pears, ensuring a balanced distribution of nuts.
- Crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad, allowing small chunks to add texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad, using a light hand to avoid overdressing.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Gently toss the salad just before serving to mix the ingredients while maintaining the visual appeal.
Tips
- Toasting Pecans: The secret to an extraordinary salad lies in perfectly toasted pecans. Watch them closely and stir constantly to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Pear Selection: Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture. Avoid overly soft pears that might turn mushy when sliced.
- Dressing Technique: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette sparingly. The goal is to enhance, not drown, the delicate flavors of the ingredients.
- Serving Tip: Prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent wilting of the greens.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding grilled chicken or swapping feta with goat cheese for a personalized touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
