Holiday Pear, Pomegranate & Feta Salad Delight
The Holiday Pear, Pomegranate & Feta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cupsmixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or mesclun mix)
- 1ripe pear, sliced into thin wedges
- 1/2 cuppomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cupcrumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cuptoasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cupdried cranberries
- 1small green apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tbspolive oil (for roasting pears)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for roasted pears)
Instructions
- To begin our culinary adventure, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Take the sliced pear wedges and lightly toss them with olive oil and an optional pinch of cinnamon for added warmth and spice. Spread the pear slices evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial as roasting will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears, bringing forth their rich flavor. Once completed, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding them to your salad.
- Grab a large white platter that will showcase the beautiful colors of your salad. Start by laying out the mixed greens, which will serve as the base of your dish. Ensure they are evenly spread across the platter; this not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures every bite is balanced with the fresh greens. Choosing a light-colored platter helps the vibrant colors of the salad stand out, making it more enticing to your guests.
- Now it’s time to elevate your salad. Scatter the roasted pear wedges generously over the mixed greens, followed by a shower of pomegranate seeds that add a burst of juiciness with every bite. Then, sprinkle sliced apple for a crisp texture, dried cranberries for a chewy hint of sweetness, and finally, toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. This step combines not only flavors but also textures—making every forkful an exciting adventure.
- To finish off the salad, it’s time to introduce the creamy element. Crumble feta cheese over the top generously. Its tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pears and fruits, rounding out the salad’s flavor profile. Make sure to distribute the feta evenly to allow each bite to take advantage of its creamy richness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup, depending on your preference). Continue whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. This dressing will bring all the flavors of your salad together, enhancing the dish without overpowering its natural goodness.
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing lightly over the prepared salad, avoiding an overly soggy experience for the greens. As a beautifully appealing finishing touch, garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. Your Holiday Pear, Pomegranate & Feta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is now ready to impress at your holiday table!
Notes
Ensure that the pears are ripe for optimal sweetness when roasted. Don’t skip toasting the pecans; this enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g