Zingy Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Recipe for Fall Joy

Sweet meets tangy in this mouthwatering balsamic pear and cranberry salad that blends autumn’s most delectable flavors.

Crisp pears and tart cranberries dance together in a vibrant symphony of taste and texture.

The rich balsamic glaze weaves through each bite, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and zesty notes.

Crunchy nuts add a delightful depth that elevates this simple salad into a gourmet experience.

Elegant yet effortless, this dish works perfectly as a stunning side or light lunch option.

Colorful ingredients promise a delightful culinary journey that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Prepare to savor every refreshing forkful of this irresistible seasonal sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Things You’ll Need For Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and vibrant flavor to the salad's overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture and helps blend dressing ingredients harmoniously.
• Honey: Balances acidity with subtle sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides zesty kick and helps ingredients bind together smoothly.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out all dressing flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to the dressing.

• Mixed Greens: Offers crisp base with varied textures and nutritional variety.
• Pears: Select ripe but firm fruits for best crunch and sweet undertone.
• Dried Cranberries: Brings concentrated fruity tartness and beautiful color contrast.
• Red Onion: Choose fresh, firm onions with bright purple skin for sharp flavor accent.

• Goat Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy element that complements fruit beautifully.
• Candied Pecans: Provides sweet, crunchy texture with caramelized nutty notes.

Tools To Prep Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Small Bowl or Jar: Perfect for whisking and mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, and mustard into a cohesive dressing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice pears and red onion with precision.
• Large Salad Bowl: Provides ample space for combining greens and toppings.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and other dressing ingredients.

How To Make Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

Grab a small container and blend balsamic vinegar with silky olive oil, golden honey, tangy Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy elixir that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Build Your Flavor-Packed Salad

Spread a lush carpet of vibrant mixed greens in a spacious bowl. Artfully layer thin, juicy pear slices, jewel-like dried cranberries, slivers of sharp red onion, creamy crumbles of goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans for a symphony of textures and tastes.

• Drench and Devour

Just before serving, cascade the luxurious balsamic dressing over your salad creation. Give everything a gentle toss to marry the flavors, then dive right in and savor each mouthwatering bite of this culinary masterpiece.

Tweak Your Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Crisp Pear Selection: Choose firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and sweetness in your salad.
• Cheese Swap Trick: Replace goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile that still complements the pears and cranberries.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately up to a day in advance, keeping them refrigerated to save time before serving.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Substitute goat cheese with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey to create a plant-based version of the salad.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or toasted chickpeas to transform this salad from a side dish into a complete, satisfying meal.

Serving Ideas For Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair this elegant salad with grilled chicken or seared salmon for a complete, nutritious meal that delights the senses.
• Stunning Appetizer Showcase: Serve individual portions in small glass bowls or on appetizer plates for an impressive starter at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy flavors with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that enhances the delicate pear and cranberry notes.
• Seasonal Presentation Trick: Arrange the salad on a wooden board with additional whole pears and scattered pecans for a rustic, farm-to-table aesthetic that wows guests.

Tips For Saving Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness, keeping greens, fruits, cheese, and nuts in individual sections for up to 3 days.
• Dressing Depot: Keep homemade balsamic vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar inside the refrigerator, which stays fresh and flavorful for 5-7 days when chilled properly.
• Quick Prep Hack: Slice pears just before serving to prevent browning, using a splash of lemon juice to maintain their beautiful color and prevent oxidation.
• Smart Serving Tip: Add crunchy elements like candied pecans right before eating to ensure maximum texture and prevent them from becoming soggy during storage.

Vibrant Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rustic balsamic pear and cranberry salad highlights seasonal ingredients with elegant simplicity. Crisp greens, caramelized pears, and tangy cranberries create a harmonious balance that satisfies your palate.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups (1.4 L) mixed greens
• ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) crumbled goat cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) candied pecans
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (60 mL) balsamic vinegar
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
• 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard into a smooth, tangy emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to balance flavors perfectly.
2. Salad Assembly: Layer mixed greens in a serving bowl, then artfully arrange thinly sliced pears, creating a vibrant foundation. Sprinkle dried cranberries and delicate red onion rings across the greens.
3. Cheese and Nut Finish: Crumble goat cheese over the salad, introducing creamy white pockets. Scatter candied pecans to add a caramelized crunch that elevates the texture.
4. Final Toss: Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette generously, ensuring each ingredient receives a glossy coating. Gently combine all elements, allowing the dressing to harmonize the flavors into an elegant, cohesive dish.

Notes

• Balance Vinaigrette Intensity: Adjust balsamic and honey ratios to prevent overwhelming sweetness, creating a harmonious dressing that complements the salad’s delicate ingredients.
• Prevent Pear Browning: Slice pears just before serving and lightly toss with lemon juice to maintain their crisp, fresh appearance and prevent oxidation.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Add crunchy pecans and delicate cheese last to preserve their distinct textures and prevent sogginess.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap goat cheese for vegan alternatives like cashew cheese, use maple syrup instead of honey for plant-based diets, and replace pecans with sunflower seeds for nut-free versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg