Description
A refreshing and vibrant pear salad featuring spring mix greens, ripe pears, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans and walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese, drizzled with a tangy balsamic or sweet honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pear Salad
- 6 cups spring mix lettuce and greens, about 5 ounces
- 4 small pears, ripened and sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup pecans and walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup gorgonzola, feta cheese, or goat cheese
- 1 recipe balsamic dressing, or honey mustard dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Fill a large salad bowl with 6 cups of spring mix lettuce and greens, providing a fresh and flavorful base for your salad.
- Add the fruit and nuts: Top the greens with 4 small, ripened and sliced pears, ½ cup dried cranberries, and 1/3 cup chopped pecans and walnuts to add sweetness and crunch.
- Incorporate the cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of your choice of gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese evenly over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle 1 recipe of balsamic dressing or honey mustard dressing over the top to add a flavorful touch that complements the pears and cheese.
- Season and serve: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, toss gently if desired, and enjoy the fresh pear salad immediately.
Notes
- Use candied nuts like pecans for an extra sweet and crunchy element.
- Choose salad greens according to preference, such as arugula or baby spinach for variation.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Prepare dressing ahead of time or use store-bought balsamic or honey mustard dressing for convenience.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep greens crisp and fresh.
