Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans
Brighten your winter gatherings with this delightful Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans. This vibrant dish features the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—sweet, ripe pears paired with crunchy, toasted pecans and tender mixed greens, all accented by tangy dried cranberries and a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Not only is this salad visually stunning, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for holiday feasts or a healthy lunch option. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite proteins. Treat yourself and your guests to a refreshing taste of the season!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, toasted pecans, crumbled cheese, dried cranberries, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- You can customize by including other ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes or pomegranate seeds.
- To prepare in advance, wash and dry the greens separately; combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg