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If you’re seeking a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly satisfying salad that celebrates the best flavors of the cool months, look no further than this Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe. It delivers a delightful balance of crisp mixed greens, sweet and juicy pears, crunchy toasted pecans, and bursts of tart dried cranberries—all elevated by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is a perfect way to brighten up your winter meals with its beautiful colors, fresh textures, and a luscious mix of nutty and fruity flavors that feel both comforting and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in the salad. From the earthy greens to the sweet pears and crunchy pecans, every element contributes something special to this easy yet impressive Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A blend of spinach, arugula, and kale adds vibrant color and a fresh, peppery bite.
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced: Their natural sweetness brings a juicy contrast that brightens the salad.
- 1 cup toasted pecans: Toasting enhances their rich, nutty flavor and adds delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These tiny gems inject a tart, chewy surprise, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and color variation that wakes up the palate.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette: The perfect tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by washing your mixed greens thoroughly to remove any grit and ensure a crisp base. Dry them well using a salad spinner or clean towels so your salad doesn’t get soggy when tossed with the vinaigrette later.
Step 2: Slice the Pears
Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape. Thinly slice them to lovely translucent slivers that will mingle perfectly with the greens without overpowering each bite.
Step 3: Toast the Pecans
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring often. The nuts will become fragrant, their flavor deepening, and you’ll notice their texture becoming crunchier. This small step makes a big difference.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced pears, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. This is where the salad starts to come alive with a colorful, inviting mix of ingredients.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently so every leaf and slice is delicately coated. Avoid overdressing to keep the flavors balanced and fresh.
How to Serve Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan on top. Fresh herbs like mint or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic twist that complements the wintery vibe.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with rich main courses like roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty stew. Its bright flavors act as a perfect palate cleanser alongside warming dishes during the chilly months.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars to showcase the layers of colors. You can also add edible flowers for an elegant touch, making it ideal for holiday or dinner party menus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge without the dressing to keep the greens crisp. Add the dressing fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the textures of the greens and pears will be compromised and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, make fresh batches as needed to keep flavors and textures vibrant.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pears with another fruit?
Absolutely! Apples or persimmons make excellent alternatives, offering similar sweetness and texture, though the flavor will shift slightly depending on your choice.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! The Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe is naturally vegan as long as your balsamic vinaigrette contains no honey or dairy-based ingredients.
Can I make the salad gluten-free?
Definitely. The ingredients are all naturally gluten-free, but always check your vinaigrette label to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.
How long will the toasted pecans stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, toasted pecans stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
What’s the best way to slice the pears?
Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to thinly slice the pears evenly. This helps them blend beautifully with the greens and allows their sweetness to shine through every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe is truly a delightful way to embrace seasonal ingredients in a fresh, colorful dish that feels both nourishing and festive. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or adding some brightness to your holiday table, this salad is sure to become a favorite you return to again and again.
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Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious winter salad featuring a vibrant mix of greens, sweet ripe pears, toasted pecans, tart dried cranberries, and sharp red onion, all brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement hearty winter meals.
Ingredients
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 the greens: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly to ensure they are crisp and free from excess moisture.
- Slice the pears: Thinly slice the ripe pears carefully and set them aside, ready to be added to the salad.
- Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the prepared mixed greens, sliced pears, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add dressing and toss: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
Notes
- To speed up the pecan toasting process, watch carefully to avoid burning as nuts can char quickly.
- Use ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the freshness of greens and crispness of pears.
- For a vegan version, ensure the balsamic vinaigrette does not contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients.
- Toast the nuts in advance and store in an airtight container if making ahead to save time.
