Description
Bright, crisp, and beautifully balanced, this Festive Winter Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect addition to your holiday table or everyday dinner rotation. Sweet ripe pears, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy blue cheese rest on a bed of fresh mixed greens, all finished with a rich balsamic drizzle. It’s an easy recipe that works as a healthy side dish, light lunch, or elegant starter for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for fresh dinner ideas, holiday salad recipes, or simple food ideas to impress guests, this winter salad delivers flavor and color in every bite.
Ingredients
4 cups mixed greens
2 medium ripe pears thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans toasted
1/3 cup blue cheese or goat cheese crumbled
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2. Wash, core, and thinly slice the pears. Leave the skin on for added texture and color.
3. Arrange the mixed greens evenly on a large serving platter or salad bowl.
4. Layer the sliced pears over the greens, followed by the dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the top.
6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad.
7. Season lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
Avoid overdressing the salad too early. Add the balsamic glaze and olive oil just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent the pears from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg