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
Scale
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.
