Description
Pear and Pecan Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pecans (toasted if desired)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer the spinach, pears, pecans, dried cranberries, red onion, and blue cheese.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
Serve: Pair with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite main dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Toast the Pecans: For enhanced flavor, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the greens. Thinly slice the pears and red onion. Crumble the cheese if needed.
3. Make the Dressing: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper in a jar with a tight lid. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Assemble with Care: In a large, wide bowl or on a serving platter, create a base of greens. Artfully arrange the pear slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion on top. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese.
5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to prevent wilting. Toss gently at the table to combine all elements.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a bright starter before a creamy soup or a hearty pasta. It makes an elegant side for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. For a satisfying vegetarian meal, top it with grilled halloumi or a scoop of quinoa. Accompany with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
How-to Summary
Quickly toast pecans for depth. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon for the dressing. Arrange fresh greens, sliced pear, toasted pecans, cranberries, red onion, and crumbled cheese on a platter. Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Prep components separately: toast nuts, slice onions, make dressing, and wash greens. Store in airtight containers. Assemble and dress just before serving to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best pear variety to use? Bartlett or Anjou pears are excellent for their sweetness and firm texture that holds up when sliced. Avoid overly ripe, soft pears.
How can I make this salad nut-free? Simply omit the pecans. Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) make a great crunchy, allergen-friendly substitute.
My dressing is too tart. How can I fix it? Balance the acidity by adding an extra 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. The Dijon mustard also helps mellow sharpness, so ensure it’s well incorporated.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Goat cheese or sharp white cheddar are fantastic alternatives to blue or feta, offering different flavor profiles that still complement the sweet and savory notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dressing the salad too early, which causes the greens to wilt and become soggy.
- Using pears that are too soft or overripe, leading to a mushy texture.
- Not toasting the pecans, missing out on a deeper, richer nutty flavor.
- Overcomplicating the dressing by adding too many ingredients; the simple balance of sweet maple and tangy balsamic is key.
- Slicing the red onion too thickly, which can overpower the other delicate flavors.
Conclusion
This Pear and Pecan Salad is a celebration of texture and balance, effortlessly combining sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements. The homemade Maple Balsamic Dressing ties everything together with its simple, flavorful punch. It’s a reliably impressive dish that proves a gourmet-quality salad can be both easy to prepare and universally appealing. Perfect for a quick weeknight side or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.