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

Scale

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)
⅓ 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

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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.