If you’re searching for a vibrant dish that celebrates the crisp flavors of the season, this Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy that brings warmth and color to any table. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a fresh, satisfying meal at home, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that highlight the best of winter’s bounty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple, readily available ingredients that each play a crucial role in building depth and balance. From the juicy pears to the tangy blue cheese, every component contributes to a harmonious winter flavor experience.
- Mixed greens (10 ounces): A fresh, crisp base that provides a vibrant backdrop and light texture for the hearty toppings.
- Pears (3, chopped): Juicy and naturally sweet, they add a lovely softness and subtle fruity note against the greens.
- Pecan halves (2 cups): Their nutty crunch contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit and greens, creating irresistible texture.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Infuse a burst of tartness and chewy sweetness that livens every bite.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, it adds richness and a bold flavor that perfectly complements the pears and pecans.
- White wine vinegar (6 tablespoons): Provides acidity and brightness, balancing out the sweetness of the fruits—champagne vinegar is especially lovely here.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang and depth to the vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Gives the dressing a luscious, silky texture while rounding out the vinegar’s sharpness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients without overpowering them.
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Lightly sweetens the dressing if you prefer a gentler balance, but it’s not essential.
How to Make Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by adding the mixed greens, chopped pears, dried cranberries, and pecan halves into a large bowl. This is where the vibrant colors and textures begin to take shape, laying the foundation for a salad that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified. This simple vinaigrette perfectly enhances the salad’s natural sweetness and nutty notes, creating a bright and cohesive flavor profile.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the vinaigrette over your salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure every leaf and piece is lightly coated. This step brings all the elements together, melding the crisp, sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors into every bite.
Step 4: Add the Blue Cheese Finishing Touch
Finally, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top. The creamy, pungent cheese is the star finishing touch that elevates this salad into a gourmet experience with its bold contrast and velvety texture.
How to Serve Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant twist, consider adding a few fresh pear slices or extra pecan halves as a garnish on top. A light drizzle of honey or a few fresh herbs like thyme can also introduce subtle hints of sweetness or earthiness, enhancing the salad’s complexity without overshadowing its signature flavors.
Side Dishes
This winter salad pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a savory pork tenderloin. The crisp and tangy elements of the salad provide a refreshing contrast that complements richer dishes perfectly, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe in individual glass bowls or on large wooden platters for a rustic yet chic look. Layering the ingredients so the colors show through or topping with a few scattered blue cheese crumbles and pecans just before serving adds visual appeal that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate whenever possible. Store the mixed ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to prevent sogginess. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to a week and whisked again before use.
Freezing
Since this salad contains fresh greens and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the pears, nuts, and greens will suffer, and the blue cheese can become crumbly and lose its delicate creaminess.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to appreciate the balance of crispness and creaminess. Avoid reheating, as it will wilt the greens and change the fresh, vibrant flavor profile that makes this Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute the blue cheese if I’m not a fan?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese make excellent alternatives that maintain the creamy tanginess while keeping the salad approachable for blue cheese shy eaters.
What’s the best way to keep the pears from browning?
Toss the chopped pears with a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This prevents browning and keeps the pears looking fresh and appetizing.
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes, walnuts or toasted almonds work wonderfully as substitutes and provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor that complements the salad’s ingredients.
Is it possible to make the vinaigrette dairy-free?
The vinaigrette in this recipe is naturally dairy-free, so you just need to omit the blue cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese option to keep the entire dish dairy-free.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
For the freshest taste and texture, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. You can prepare and refrigerate the vinaigrette separately up to a week ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe truly captures the magic of the colder months with every bite, showcasing a harmony of flavors that’s as inviting as a cozy kitchen on a chilly day. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a beautiful burst of freshness and warmth to your winter table.
Print
Winter Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Winter Salad that combines crisp mixed greens with the natural sweetness of pears, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy blue cheese, all brought together by a light and flavorful white wine vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side for holiday meals.
Ingredients
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. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and optional sugar until well emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Add blue cheese topping: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top of the salad as a flavorful finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Champagne vinegar can be substituted with any good quality white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- The sugar in the dressing is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet vinaigrette.
- Toast the pecans lightly for added crunch and enhanced flavor, if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh; however, you can prepare the dressing ahead and store separately to keep greens crisp.
- Blue cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or feta for a milder taste.
