Description
A refreshing and vibrant winter salad combining mixed greens, sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries, all dressed in a zesty white wine vinaigrette and topped with creamy crumbled blue cheese. Perfect as a light meal or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves, evenly distributing the ingredients.
- Make the 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 the Salad: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure all components are coated with the dressing.
- Add Blue Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top of the dressed salad just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, omit the blue cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Champagne vinegar adds a delicate flavor; if unavailable, use white wine vinegar as a replacement.
- The sugar in the dressing is optional and can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the pears.
- Chill the salad ingredients beforehand for an extra refreshing taste.
- Toast the pecans lightly for added crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
