Are you ready to transform your holiday table with a salad so delicious, it'll have your guests asking for seconds before they've finished their first bite? The Pear Cranberry Holiday Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the sweet, crisp elegance of fresh pears with the tart burst of cranberries, all nestled on a bed of vibrant mixed greens. This isn't just a salad; it's a celebration of flavors that captures the essence of the holiday season in every single forkful!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of mixed greens, 2 pears, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water. Drain them well and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Rinse the pears under cold water. Cut them in half, remove the cores, and slice them into thin wedges. Add the pear slices to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Measure out 1 cup of dried cranberries and sprinkle them over the salad mixture in the bowl.
- Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces if they are not already chopped. Add the chopped walnuts to the salad bowl, distributing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. This will add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the dish.
- In a small bowl or jar, pour the 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette. If desired, whisk or shake it to combine the ingredients well.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Use just enough to lightly coat the ingredients without making the salad soggy.
- Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to crush the pears or feta cheese.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more vinaigrette, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve the Pear Cranberry Holiday Salad immediately for the best freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Bartlett or Anjou varieties work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- For a gourmet touch, try using a homemade balsamic vinaigrette instead of store-bought.
- If you're making this ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese – goat cheese can be a delicious alternative to feta.
- For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken or salmon to turn this salad into a complete main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
