Name: Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Mixed Greens: 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine) Ripe Pears: 2 pears thinly sliced Pecans: 1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans Goat Cheese or Feta: 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta Red Onion: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion Dried Cranberries: 1/4 cup Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Honey: 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper: to taste

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The Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary winter day into something special. Think of crisp mixed greens, juicy pears, sweet and crunchy pecans, with creamy cheese and a tangy-sweet maple vinaigrette—all coming together in a medley that’s as bright on your plate as it is on your palate. This flavor-packed salad not only looks beautiful but also brings a welcome burst of freshness to heartier winter menus, making it an irresistible addition to holiday feasts or a simple weekday lunch. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or nourishing yourself at noon, this is the salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a salad that feels both elegant and effortless. Each element is carefully chosen for its contribution—color, crunch, and taste—creating a perfect balance that makes the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe shine.

Mixed Greens (6 cups): Choose a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine for a good mix of textures and flavors—peppery, crisp, and tender all in one bite.
Ripe Pears (2, thinly sliced): Pears add a juicy sweetness and gorgeous slices that soak up the dressing; make sure they’re just soft to the touch, never mushy.
Candied or Toasted Pecans (1/2 cup): Whether you prefer sweet or just a roasted touch, pecans give the salad a delightful crunch and nutty warmth.
Goat Cheese or Feta (1/3 cup, crumbled): For creaminess and tang, goat cheese works wonders, but feta is equally delicious if you like a saltier edge.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Just a little goes a long way to add zip and color to your greens.
Dried Cranberries (1/4 cup): These ruby gems add a sweet-tart pop and chewy texture in every forkful.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A good, fruity olive oil is the base for the simple dressing that ties everything together.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Perks up the dressing with a light, fruity tang that pairs perfectly with pears.
Maple Syrup or Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of seasonal flavor to the vinaigrette.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Lends a little complexity, bite, and helps emulsify the dressing.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—taste the dressing and adjust so every layer of flavor sings.

How to Make Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your greens—you want them crisp and not soggy. Core the pears and slice them thinly; this ensures a lovely presentation and allows them to mingle seamlessly with the other ingredients. Have your pecans ready, whether candied for a touch of sweetness or simply toasted for depth.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, pile in your mixed greens, distributing them evenly. Top with those beautiful pear slices, scattering them artistically to ensure every serving feels special. Sprinkle the pecans, crumbled goat cheese or feta, red onion slices, and dried cranberries over the greens for a colorful, tempting display.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Maple Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-blended—taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper for a balanced bite. This simple vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing all over the salad. Gently toss everything together using clean hands or salad tongs, taking care not to bruise the pears or crush the cheese—you want the salad to look fresh and inviting.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Immediately serve the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe in wide salad bowls or on platefuls, making sure each serving includes a sampling of every ingredient. For best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad right away.

How to Serve Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

Add a final touch just before serving by scattering a few extra pecans, more crumbled cheese, or even a twist of cracked black pepper over each salad. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup can really bring out the salad’s bright sweetness. For a festive sparkle, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate every forkful.

Side Dishes

This salad loves the company of creamy soups like butternut squash or potato leek, or you can serve it alongside a main like roast chicken, turkey, or a hearty vegetarian casserole. For a lighter meal, pair your Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe with a crusty loaf of bread or seeded crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes a big difference for this vibrant dish. Try serving the salad on a platter for family-style gatherings, or portion it into individual glass jars for a portable, picnic-perfect touch. For a holiday table, nestle the salad in radicchio leaves or small bowls lined with baby greens—simple yet stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra salad? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep things as fresh as possible, hold back the dressing and only toss it with the salad right before you’re ready to eat. Greens can wilt once dressed, so mix only the amount you plan to use.

Freezing

This Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe is best enjoyed fresh—it does not freeze well, due to the tender greens and fruit. Freezing will alter the texture and flavor, so stick to making what you’ll eat within a day or two for maximum deliciousness.

Reheating

Since it’s a no-cook, crisp salad, reheating isn’t needed or recommended. If your salad has been refrigerated and you’d like to revive it a bit, let it come to room temperature before eating, and maybe add a handful of fresh greens for crunch.

FAQs

Can I substitute apples for pears in the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe?

Absolutely! Apples are a fantastic stand-in for pears, especially if you like a little more crunch and a tarter flavor. Choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best results.

What type of pears work best for this salad?

Bartlett and Anjou pears are ideal, as they’re juicy but hold their shape well when sliced. Make sure they’re ripe but not too soft so they don’t become mushy once tossed with the dressing.

How can I add more protein to the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe?

It’s easy to boost the protein! Top your salad with slices of grilled chicken, turkey, roasted chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa for a more filling meal.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to goat cheese or feta?

Yes, you can use your favorite dairy-free cheese crumble or omit cheese entirely if you prefer. Avocado cubes also make a creamy, dairy-free addition that pairs well here.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

You sure can! The vinaigrette will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. Just shake or whisk it well before using, as the ingredients may naturally separate after sitting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish to your winter table, the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s quick, versatile, and guaranteed to brighten any meal—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a bowlful of simple winter magic!

Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe is a delightful blend of mixed greens, sweet pears, crunchy pecans, tangy goat cheese, and flavorful dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal during the winter season.

Ingredients

Mixed Greens:

6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)

Ripe Pears:

2 pears thinly sliced

Pecans:

1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans

Goat Cheese or Feta:

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

Red Onion:

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dried Cranberries:

1/4 cup

Olive Oil:

3 tablespoons

Apple Cider Vinegar:

1 tablespoon

Maple Syrup or Honey:

1 tablespoon

Dijon Mustard:

1 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix greens, pears, pecans, goat cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.