Description
A vibrant and refreshing dish, this Festive Winter Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect quick recipe for your holiday table or an easy dinner side. Juicy ripe pears, crisp greens, toasted pecans, and dried cherries come together in a beautiful medley topped with a rich balsamic glaze. Great for healthy snack options, dinner ideas, or when you want impressive food ideas in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula and baby spinach)
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup toasted pecans
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
Instructions
1. Wash and thinly slice the pears. No need to peel unless desired.
2. Lay the mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often. Let them cool.
4. Layer sliced pears over the greens, followed by the toasted pecans and dried cherries.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or feta on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
8. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to maintain texture in the salad.
Toast the pecans just before assembling for maximum flavor and crunch.
If prepping ahead, store pears in lemon water to prevent browning until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: winter salad, easy dinner, healthy snack, quick recipe, festive salad