Description
A bright and flavorful American salad featuring crisp, thinly sliced ripe pears, creamy blue cheese, crunchy candied pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries all tossed together with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a light starter or side dish, this salad combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements for a balanced and refreshing experience.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Tangy Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of mixed greens with thinly sliced ripe pear, 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Tangy Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of honey until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for a full meal by slicing cooked breasts and tossing them in with the salad.
- Use Gorgonzola cheese as a milder alternative to traditional blue cheese if preferred.
- For nut-free version, omit nuts or replace with toasted seeds.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and pear slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
