Description
A refreshing and vibrant Winter Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet ripe pears, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy dried cranberries, and sharp red onions, all tossed in a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a festive side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly to ensure freshness and crisp texture in the salad.
- Slice Pears: Thinly slice the ripe pears and set them aside, being careful to maintain even slices for presentation and texture.
- Toast Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes until they release their aroma and become slightly golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the prepared greens, sliced pears, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion evenly.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate greens.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- To toast pecans evenly, stir frequently and watch closely to avoid burning.
- Balsamic vinaigrette can be homemade or store-bought depending on time constraints.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or goat cheese.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the tenderness of the greens and pears.
