Harvest Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts
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.
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