Description
This Winter Salad combines fresh mixed greens with juicy pears, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together by a tangy white wine vinaigrette and topped with creamy crumbled blue cheese. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for chilly months, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
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 recommended if available)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients. In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves. Gently toss to combine all the elements.
- Prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss salad with vinaigrette. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add blue cheese topping. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the salad just before serving for a creamy and tangy finish.
Notes
- Champagne vinegar adds a delicate flavor but white wine vinegar is a great substitute.
- The sugar in the vinaigrette is optional and can be omitted to reduce sweetness.
- For added texture, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- This salad is best served fresh as the dressing can wilt the greens over time.
