If you’re looking for a vibrant dish that brings together the best of winter’s flavors, the Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is a stunning combination of crisp mixed greens, sweet and juicy pears, crunchy pecan halves, tart dried cranberries, and the unmistakable creaminess of blue cheese, all tied together with a tangy white wine vinaigrette. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with textures that make each bite a delight, perfect for brightening up cold days or adding elegance to any holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a salad that bursts with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the pears add natural sweetness and juiciness, pecan halves bring crunch and earthiness, cranberries contribute a touch of tartness and color, while blue cheese offers creamy boldness that elevates the dish.
- Mixed greens (10 ounces): Choose a fresh, crisp blend for vibrant color and a light base.
- Pears (3, chopped): Ripe but firm pears add juicy sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- Pecan halves (2 cups): Toasted or raw, these provide a hearty crunch that complements the softness of pears.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Their tart flavor and chewy texture brighten the salad beautifully.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Adds creamy, tangy richness that balances the sweet and nutty elements.
- White wine vinegar (6 tablespoons): A crisp acidity that lifts the whole salad; champagne vinegar is a splendid choice if available.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle sharpness and emulsifies the dressing perfectly.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Smooth and fruity, it melds the vinaigrette ingredients into a silky coating.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A tiny touch to balance acidity if desired.
How to Make Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing your mixed greens into a large, beautiful salad bowl. Add the chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves on top. This layering sets the stage for the exciting textures and colors that will make your salad pop.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
In a smaller bowl, whisk the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until emulsified. This dressing is light yet flavorful, bringing a lively tang that brightens the natural sweetness of the pears and cranberries while cutting through the richness of the cheese.
Step 3: Toss the Salad with Dressing
Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each leaf and bite is lightly coated. This step brings harmony to all your ingredients, marrying the fresh and robust flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese Finale
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously over the top of the tossed salad. The creamy, sharp notes of blue cheese provide the perfect finishing touch, creating a delicious balance that makes this Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe truly memorable.
How to Serve Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a few whole pecans or thin pear slices as a decorative garnish for extra visual appeal. A touch of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of honey can also add an unexpected flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty meal, or alongside a creamy soup for cozy comfort. It also stands out on a holiday buffet, offering a fresh, vibrant contrast to richer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, try serving the salad in individual glass bowls that showcase the brilliant colors. Alternatively, a rustic wooden platter allows guests to serve themselves and admire the salad’s colorful layers before tossing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keep the mixed greens and pear slices in a refrigerator to maintain crispness. Add the dressing just before serving again to avoid soggy greens.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the texture changes in the greens, pears, and cheese. To freeze any components, consider storing pecans separately and using dried cranberries as they freeze without issue.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it as a refreshing, crisp dish that’s perfect straight from the fridge or at ambient temperature.
FAQs
Can I substitute blue cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, goat cheese or feta are excellent alternatives that still provide creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
How ripe should the pears be?
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when chopped. This ensures you get the perfect balance of sweetness and texture without the salad becoming mushy.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the blue cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese or toasted nuts for extra richness.
Is it okay to use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and can be too sharp on their own. If using fresh, consider lightly cooking them with a bit of sugar to mellow their flavor before adding to the salad.
What type of pecans work best?
Raw or toasted pecans both work well. Toasting them briefly enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch, bringing more depth to the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe is truly a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures. It’s simple to prepare, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something fresh and delicious, this salad is a fantastic choice—give it a try and fall in love with winter all over again!
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Winter Salad with Pears, Pecan Halves, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Winter Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet pears, crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and tangy blue cheese, all tossed in a zesty white wine vinaigrette. This salad is perfect as a light, healthy meal or a festive side dish during chilly months.
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 ounces Mixed greens
- 3 Pears, chopped
- 2 cups Pecan halves
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Blue Cheese, crumbled
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 6 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar (Champagne vinegar is delicious if you can find it)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish with blue cheese: Top the tossed salad with crumbled blue cheese just before serving for a creamy and tangy finish.
Notes
- Champagne vinegar can be substituted with any good quality white wine vinegar if unavailable.
- The sugar in the vinaigrette is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet dressing.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast pecans before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and pears.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
