If you love vibrant, fresh flavors that celebrate the best of fall’s bounty, the Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. This salad is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes—crisp pears, juicy pomegranate arils, crunchy glazed pecans, and creamy feta come together like a flavor party in every bite. Dressed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette, it’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want to brighten your table with something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to make this salad shine. Each component plays a key role, from adding crunch and sweetness to introducing a tangy contrast and vibrant color that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 5 ounces mixed baby greens: This fresh, tender base brings a mild green flavor and a lovely variety of textures.
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that wakes up the palate.
- 1 to 2 ripe pears, unpeeled and thinly sliced: Their juicy sweetness balances the salad perfectly, while the skin adds extra texture and nutrients.
- ½ cup pomegranate arils: These jewel-like seeds offer bursts of tartness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- ½ cup glazed pecans, roughly chopped: The sweet crunchiness of glazed pecans provides a wonderful contrast to the soft elements.
- â…“ cup crumbled feta: Creamy and salty, feta adds depth and richness.
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A perfectly balanced dressing with sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard that ties all flavors together.
How to Make Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Greens and Onion
Start by placing the mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or on a beautiful salad platter. This layering sets the stage for distributing all the vibrant ingredients evenly. Next, scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the greens—this adds a lovely sharpness that cuts through the sweetness to come.
Step 2: Arrange Your Pear Slices with Care
Now, gently arrange your thin pear slices in little groups of three or four around the salad. This thoughtful placement not only looks elegant but also helps each bite to capture that juicy, mellow sweetness unique to ripe pears.
Step 3: Sprinkle Pomegranate, Pecans, and Feta
Sprinkle the ruby-red pomegranate arils evenly to deliver those delightful bursts of tartness. Next, add the chopped glazed pecans for crunch and sweetness, and finally crumble the feta cheese over the top. Each of these ingredients adds its own layer of texture and flavor magic.
Step 4: Drizzle the Magic Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
The final step is to drizzle a generous amount of the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad. This dressing is where the sweet meets tangy in the most luscious way, perfectly marrying all the ingredients into one harmonious bite. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side for those wanting a little extra zing.
How to Serve Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, try adding a few whole glazed pecans or a few extra pomegranate seeds on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley also bring a subtle freshness and color contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a flaky baked fish for a light, balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic side for grain bowls or alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the maple Dijon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve this salad in individual clear glasses or mason jars layered in the same order for a stunning visual effect. Alternatively, use a large wooden board and create a composed salad that guests can pick from, adding an interactive and rustic vibe to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This helps preserve the crispness of the pears and greens so the salad stays fresh and inviting.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, especially the greens and pears. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a day or two of making it.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. The delicate textures and flavors could be compromised by heat, especially the fresh ingredients and vinaigrette.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or blue cheese work well too if you prefer a milder or creamier flavor. Just keep in mind that feta’s saltiness complements the sweetness of the pears and maple dressing perfectly.
What if I don’t have glazed pecans? Can I substitute something else?
Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives. If you want to mimic the glazed sweetness, toss the nuts with a bit of brown sugar or honey before adding them.
How long can I keep the vinaigrette?
Maple Dijon vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week when kept in a sealed container. Just give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate.
Are there any tips for slicing pears for this salad?
Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape. Use a sharp knife and slice them thinly but not paper-thin for the best texture and presentation. Leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients.
Can I prepare this salad for a party or potluck?
Definitely! Just assemble the salad toppings in separate containers and the greens in a large bowl. Bring the maple Dijon vinaigrette on the side and toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe enough to anyone craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and full of textural surprises. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but elegant enough for entertaining. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of thoughtful ingredients and a luscious homemade dressing can transform your salad game forever.
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Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette 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
This Pear Pomegranate Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or an elegant starter. Featuring crisp baby greens, sweet ripe pears, tart pomegranate arils, crunchy glazed pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a flavorful Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, this salad offers a balanced combination of textures and flavors that will delight your palate.
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
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: Place the mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or on a salad platter. Evenly sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions over the greens for a mild pungent crunch.
- Add the Fruits: Arrange the pear slices in small groups of 3 or 4 on top of the greens and onions to distribute sweetness throughout the salad.
- Top With Garnishes: Sprinkle the pomegranate arils evenly across the salad for a burst of tart juiciness, followed by the roughly chopped glazed pecans for crunchy sweetness, and finish with a generous scattering of crumbled feta for creamy, tangy notes.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle some of the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the entire salad to coat the ingredients lightly and enhance their flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the remaining vinaigrette on the side, allowing guests to add more if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape and texture in the salad.
- Glazed pecans add a sweet crunch; you can substitute with candied walnuts if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, omit feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- The Maple Dijon Vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serve this salad fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and texture contrast.
