If you are looking for a salad that bursts with freshness, texture, and a delightful harmony of flavors, the Pear Pomegranate Salad with Glazed Pecans and Feta Recipe is an absolute winner. This vibrant dish combines the juicy sweetness of ripe pears and pomegranate arils with the crunchy, nutty goodness of glazed pecans and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a stunning side for dinner, or even as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. The combination of colors alone makes it irresistible, and the simple, wholesome ingredients make it easy to pull together any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this salad shine. Each element plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavors, texture, and visual appeal.
- Mixed baby greens: A tender and fresh base that adds lightness and a vibrant green color to the salad.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a mild sharpness and crunchy bite, cut into slightly larger pieces for texture.
- Ripe pears (unpeeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Their natural sweetness and soft texture contrast beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Pomegranate arils: These jewel-like seeds contribute a pop of juicy tartness and stunning ruby red color.
- Glazed pecans (roughly chopped): Provide buttery crunch and a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy, salty element that perfectly complements the fruit and nuts.
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A dress-up dressing that brings a hint of sweetness and a gentle tang to tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Pear Pomegranate Salad with Glazed Pecans and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing your mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or arrange them beautifully on a salad platter. This fresh bed is the foundation of your salad, so distribute the greens evenly to create a lush and inviting base.
Step 2: Add the Red Onion
Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion across the greens. Cutting the onion into 2-inch pieces ensures you get little bursts of flavor without overpowering the other elements. It’s the subtle punch that balances sweetness.
Step 3: Arrange the Pear Slices
Next, fan out the thin pears in groups of three or four slices right over the salad. Leaving the skin on not only adds color and fiber but also keeps the pears looking fresh and beautiful. Their juiciness is already making your salad look irresistible.
Step 4: Sprinkle Pomegranate Arils, Pecans, and Feta
Scatter the pomegranate arils over the salad to add freshness and a burst of juicy tartness. Then sprinkle the roughly chopped glazed pecans for their signature crunch and subtle sweetness. Finally, crumble the feta cheese evenly to introduce creamy, salty pockets that perfectly round out each bite.
Step 5: Drizzle with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Finish by drizzling some of the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the top. This dressing gives a harmonious balance of tang, sweetness, and depth that lifts every ingredient. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side so each person can dress their salad just how they like it.
How to Serve Pear Pomegranate Salad with Glazed Pecans and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of extra elegance, sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cracked black pepper. Adding edible flowers like nasturtiums can also brighten the presentation and add a subtle peppery note that complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also shines alongside roasted root vegetables or a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. The mix of sweet and savory in the salad offers a fresh contrast to warm, earthy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad over a bed of baby arugula or mixed sprouts for a peppery twist. You could also plate it inside hollowed-out pear halves for individual servings or present it as a colorful salad platter for entertaining. The visual appeal makes it perfect for special occasions or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad components separate if possible—store the greens, pears, and dressing apart from the pomegranate and pecans to preserve freshness. When combined, the salad is best eaten within 24 hours to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so it is not recommended to freeze. Ingredients like greens, pears, and feta tend to lose their texture and flavor when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Since this recipe is served cold, reheating is not applicable. To enjoy the flavors at their best, simply give the salad a gentle toss mixed with fresh vinaigrette just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of glazed pecans?
Absolutely! Candied walnuts or toasted almonds can be delightful substitutes that add their unique textures and flavors while maintaining the sweet crunch element.
What kind of pears work best in this salad?
Bartlett or Anjou pears are excellent choices because they are sweet and firm when ripe, providing the right balance of texture and flavor without becoming mushy.
Is there a good alternative if I don’t have feta cheese?
Yes! You can use goat cheese or ricotta salata as a creamy, tangy alternative that offers a similar flavor profile with a slightly different texture.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Definitely! Simply replace the feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Ensure your maple Dijon vinaigrette is free from honey or dairy to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long does the salad keep after dressing it?
Once dressed, it’s best to eat the salad within a few hours to enjoy crisp greens and fresh flavors. Over time, the dressing will soften the ingredients, especially the pecans and pears.
Final Thoughts
With its incredible balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy, the Pear Pomegranate Salad with Glazed Pecans and Feta Recipe is truly a standout dish that’s easy to fall in love with. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, it’s a refreshing, colorful way to enjoy clean, vibrant ingredients. I encourage you to try making this salad soon—it’s sure to be a new favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Pear Pomegranate Salad with Glazed Pecans and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Pear Pomegranate Salad combining crisp mixed baby greens with the sweetness of ripe pears, tangy pomegranate arils, crunchy glazed pecans, and creamy crumbled feta, all dressed in a flavorful Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad is quick to assemble and packed with contrasting textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 ounces mixed baby greens
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 to 2 ripe pears (unpeeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup glazed pecans (roughly chopped)
- â…“ cup crumbled feta cheese
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Place the mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or spread them evenly on a salad platter to form the base for the salad.
- Add red onions and pears: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the greens evenly. Then arrange the pear slices thoughtfully in small groups of 3 to 4 slices each on top of the greens for appealing presentation.
- Top with pomegranate, pecans, and feta: Evenly sprinkle the pomegranate arils, roughly chopped glazed pecans, and crumbled feta cheese over the salad to add bursts of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle some of the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring an even coating without sogginess. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side so guests can add more as desired.
Notes
- Use ripe pears for maximum flavor and sweetness; Bartlett or Anjou varieties work well.
- Glazed pecans add a sweet crunch, but toasted pecans can be substituted if preferred.
- The Maple Dijon Vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to one week.
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
- To enhance the salad’s color and flavor, chill all ingredients prior to assembly.
