Harvest Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Harvest Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Table of Contents

Celebrate the flavors of the season with this elegant Harvest Salad featuring juicy pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a fresh, wholesome meal, this salad is a showstopper that’s quick to prepare and bursting with autumn vibes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

1/3 cup walnuts, toasted

1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

 Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

 Assemble the Salad:

Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.

Top with sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries if using.

 Drizzle and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to combine, or serve with the dressing on the side.

Tips and Tricks 

Choose Ripe Pears: Look for pears that are slightly firm but ripe for a juicy, sweet flavor. Bartlett or Anjou pears work best.

Toast the Walnuts: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch. Simply heat them in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

See also  Eggplant and Tomato Bake Recipe

Cheese Options: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, swap it out for feta, goat cheese, or even Parmesan shavings for a milder taste.

Greens Matter: Use a mix of baby spinach, arugula, or spring greens for a fresh and peppery base.

Add More Texture: Sprinkle in dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or apple slices for extra color and flavor.

Homemade Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey complements the salad beautifully.

Serve Fresh: Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the pears fresh.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, serves 4)

Calories: 250-300

Protein: 5-7g

Carbohydrates: 18-22g

Fiber: 3-4g

Sugars: 12-15g

Fat: 18-20g

Saturated Fat: 4-6g

Cholesterol: 10-15mg

Sodium: 200-300mg