Harvest Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts 🍐🥗
Description
This Harvest Salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy textures. Juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted walnuts come together over a bed of fresh greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It’s an elegant yet simple dish, perfect for a fall meal, holiday table, or light lunch!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, blue cheese, walnuts, cranberries, and red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
✅ Best Pears to Use: Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears work best as they are sweet yet firm.
✅ Make Ahead: Assemble the salad ingredients ahead of time but add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
✅ Dressing Variations: Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor.
✅ Nut-Free Option: Substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
✅ Cheese Alternatives: Try goat cheese or feta if you prefer a milder flavor.
Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
👥 Servings: 4
📝 Calories: ~280 kcal
🥗 Carbs: 20g
🥑 Fat: 18g
🥩 Protein: 6g
⚡ Fiber: 4g
🍯 Sugar: 12g
Health Benefits of Harvest Salad
- Rich in Antioxidants: Pears and cranberries support immune function.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Walnuts and olive oil provide omega-3s.
- High in Fiber: Supports digestion and gut health.
- Good Source of Calcium: Blue cheese adds bone-strengthening minerals.
- Naturally Sweet & Low in Added Sugar: A great alternative to processed snacks.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of pears?
A: Yes! Try apples, figs, or pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist.
Q: How do I keep pears from browning?
A: Toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can store undressed salad for 1 day in an airtight container.
Q: What proteins pair well with this salad?
A: Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas make great protein additions.
This Harvest Salad is a light yet satisfying dish full of flavors and textures. Would you like pairing suggestions for a complete meal? 😊