Winter calls for comforting flavors, and this Ultimate Winter Pear Salad is just the ticket. Combining the peppery bite of arugula with tender spinach, this salad is a delightful mix of textures. Juicy pears add a touch of sweetness, making every bite a refreshing escape from the cold. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light main, this salad is a simple yet elegant way to embrace the season’s best.
Steps
- Place the mixed salad greens on a serving platter or in a bowl. Arrange the sliced pears and paper-thin fennel on top of the greens.
- Squeeze a lemon wedge over the pears and fennel to add bright flavor and prevent browning. Gently toss the salad ingredients together.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts over the salad. Add the shaved pecorino cheese on top.
- Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette, ensuring even coverage. Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced very thin
- Lemon wedge, for squeezing
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts (or additional pecans or walnuts)
- ? cup shaved pecorino cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of fruit if I don’t have pears?
- Absolutely! If pears aren’t available, you can substitute them with thinly sliced Gala or Honeycrisp apples for a similar texture and taste.
- How can I prevent the pears from turning brown after slicing?
- To keep the pears looking fresh and vibrant, squeeze some lemon juice over them after slicing. This adds a bright flavor and helps slow down the browning process.
- What alternatives can I use if I don’t have pecorino cheese?
- You can replace pecorino cheese with shaved Parmesan, or try crumbled goat cheese, gorgonzola, or another type of blue cheese for a different taste profile.
- Is it possible to prepare the salad in advance?
- While you can prepare most ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to slice the pears and assemble the salad right before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the pears from browning.
- Can I use different nuts if I don’t have all the listed varieties?
- Certainly! While the recipe calls for a mix of hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans, you can use just one type if that’s what you have. Each nut offers a unique flavor and crunch to the salad.
Tips
- Plan Ahead for Pear Ripening: Purchase your pears several days in advance, allowing them time to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the salad.
- Prevent Pear Browning: After slicing the pears, immediately squeeze lemon juice over them. This not only adds a bright flavor but also helps prevent the pears from turning brown.
- Achieve Thin Fennel Slices: For the best texture, slice fennel as thinly as possible using a mandoline. This ensures the fennel remains crisp yet tender, perfectly blending with the other salad ingredients.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by swapping ingredients. Try using different fruits like apples, or changing up the cheese selection with options like Parmesan or goat cheese.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer – for slicing the fennel paper-thin.
