If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy flavors, you need to try this Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe. This vibrant salad is a celebration of winter’s best offerings, featuring crisp pears, toasted pecans, and the sharp creaminess of blue cheese, all tied together with a lively homemade vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful holiday side or a refreshing meal on its own, this salad never fails to impress with its delightful textures and flavors that warm the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component brings something unique, from the peppery bite of the mixed greens to the juicy sweetness of ripe pears. The pecans add crunch, cranberries lend a pop of tartness and cheerful color, while the blue cheese delivers richness with a bit of tang. The dressing finishes it off with a perfect balance of acidity and subtle sweetness.
- Mixed greens (10 ounces): A fresh, peppery base that adds volume and color to the salad.
- Pears (3, chopped): Choose firm but ripe pears for juicy sweetness and beautiful texture contrast.
- Pecan halves (2 cups): Toasted pecans bring a toasty crunch and deep nutty flavor.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): These add a delightful tartness and jewel-like bursts of color.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy with a bold edge, it elevates the salad’s flavor complexity.
- White wine vinegar (6 tablespoons): Provides bright acidity that balances the richness; champagne vinegar is a wonderful option if you can find it.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a mild heat and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Smooth and fruity, it rounds out the dressing with luscious mouthfeel.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the vibrant flavors in the salad.
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A tiny touch that can tame the acidity if desired.
How to Make Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Base
Start by adding the mixed greens, chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves to a large salad bowl. This mixture sets the stage for a perfectly balanced salad by combining crisp, juicy, tart, and crunchy elements in one fresh bowl.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until the dressing is well emulsified. This simple vinaigrette brings brightness and a slight tang that beautifully ties all the salad’s flavors together.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and morsel is lightly coated, allowing those sweet, tart, and nutty flavors to mingle harmoniously.
Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top. Its creamy texture and bold tang provide a wonderful finishing touch, layering in depth and richness that makes this Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a few extra whole pecan halves or fresh pear slices on top for an elegant presentation. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can enhance the salad’s sweet-savory balance while making it visually stunning.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a perfect companion for holiday meals. It can also complement warm, hearty soups or even grilled fish, providing a fresh, crunchy contrast that lifts the entire meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls or small mason jars for an Instagram-worthy touch, ideal for gatherings. You can also stuff pear halves with the salad mixture for a charming appetizer or a fun twist on presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the greens crisp and prevents the salad from becoming soggy. Combine shortly before serving for best freshness.
Freezing
While this Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients and textures involved, you can freeze pecans separately if you want to save them for later use.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served fresh and chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears for this salad?
Absolutely! Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears all work well. Just choose ones that are firm and ripe to ensure the best texture and sweetness in your salad.
What can I substitute if I don’t like blue cheese?
Feta, goat cheese, or even a mild gorgonzola are excellent alternatives that still provide a creamy and tangy punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the blue cheese or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative. Use maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing to keep it vegan-friendly.
How far in advance can I prepare the salad?
Prepare the ingredients ahead, but toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens crisp and vibrant. Dressing can be made up to two days in advance for convenience.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, roasted turkey breast, or even chickpeas can complement this salad beautifully, turning it into a satisfying main course.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a warm hug during the colder months, this Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. The harmony of flavors and textures makes every bite a delight, and it’s simple enough to throw together on any busy day or to impress guests during the holidays. I can’t wait for you to give this one a try and enjoy the cozy, fresh taste of winter in every forkful!
Print
Winter Pear and Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries 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 combining mixed greens, sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and tart dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy white wine vinaigrette and topped with rich crumbled blue cheese. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish during the colder 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
- 6 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar (Champagne vinegar preferred)
- 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 evenly mix the ingredients.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Vinaigrette: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Add Blue Cheese: Top the dressed salad with crumbled blue cheese, distributing it evenly across the top before serving.
Notes
- Champagne vinegar is recommended for a delicate flavor but white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- The sugar in the vinaigrette is optional depending on your taste preference and the natural sweetness of the pears.
- For added texture, lightly toast the pecans before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crispness of the greens and pears.
