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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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