Pear & Feta Holiday Salad: 5 Ways to Impress Guests Recipe
Introduction
This Pear & Feta Holiday Salad is a fresh and festive dish that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy elements for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to impress guests with a simple yet elegant salad.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, sliced pears, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 2: Add the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or pomegranate seeds for a different twist.
- Add thinly sliced red onion or cucumber for additional freshness and color.
- Use a honey mustard dressing instead of balsamic for a sweeter flavor profile.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled separately to prevent the greens from wilting. Toss the salad just before serving. Avoid storing the mixed salad to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the components ahead but toss everything together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese can be great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor.
PrintPear & Feta Holiday Salad: 5 Ways to Impress Guests Recipe
A fresh and festive Pear & Feta Holiday Salad that’s quick to prepare and perfect for impressing guests. This vibrant salad combines sweet ripe pears with tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. Ideal as a light starter or a colorful side dish during holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed salad greens, sliced ripe pears, and crumbled feta cheese to ensure even distribution.
- Add Nuts and Cranberries: Add the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to the bowl, mixing carefully to keep the ingredients intact and evenly spread.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated without bruising the greens.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving bowl and serve right away to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid sogginess in the salad.
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- Dressing can be adjusted with more balsamic vinegar or olive oil to taste.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid letting it sit too long to keep greens crisp.
- Can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
Keywords: Pear and feta salad, holiday salad, walnut salad, fresh salad recipe, vegetarian salad, easy holiday dish
