Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish for the holiday season: the *Pear & Feta Holiday Salad*! It’s such a refreshing delight that brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. I love sharing this salad with family and friends because it’s not just beautiful to look at, but it also combines sweet, juicy pears with creamy feta cheese. It’s a perfect side that complements all the hearty holiday dishes, and it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you serve this salad, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients List

2 ripe pears, sliced
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

How to Prepare the Pear & Feta Holiday Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Mixed Greens

First things first, let’s wash those mixed greens! I like to fill a large bowl with cold water and gently swish the greens around to remove any dirt. Then, I lift them out and place them in a salad spinner to dry. If you don’t have a spinner, just pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step ensures your salad stays crisp!

Step 2: Slice the Pears

Now, grab your ripe pears and slice them. I like to cut them into thin wedges for a beautiful presentation. Once sliced, set them aside on a cutting board. Make sure they’re ready to go when it’s time to toss everything together!

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring everything together! Toss in the washed mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. I love how colorful this salad looks! Just give it a gentle mix to distribute everything evenly without breaking the delicate greens.

Step 4: Drizzle and Toss

Next, it’s time to dress this beauty! Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, but don’t go overboard—start with about a quarter cup and add more if you like. Now, using your hands or salad tongs, toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. This way, every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: serving the salad! It’s best to serve this right away to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the freshness of the pears. Trust me, the flavors are at their peak, and your guests will appreciate that delightful crunch!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for my delicious *Pear & Feta Holiday Salad*. Keep in mind these values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re getting in every vibrant bite!

Calories: 250
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Refreshing and flavorful, combining sweet and savory elements that will wow your taste buds.
Ideal for holiday gatherings, adding a vibrant touch to your table.
Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all your guests!

Tips for Success

To make your *Pear & Feta Holiday Salad* truly shine, always use ripe pears—trust me, they’re sweeter and juicier! For an extra layer of flavor, I recommend toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they’re fragrant. This little step adds a delightful crunch! And don’t be afraid to play with the feta; crumbled goat cheese can bring a lovely twist if you’re looking for something different. Enjoy experimenting!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *Pear & Feta Holiday Salad*! For a creamy twist, try using goat cheese instead of feta—it adds a lovely tang! You can also toss in seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for extra crunch and color. Get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers of this delicious *Pear & Feta Holiday Salad*, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness. Enjoy the leftovers within 1-2 days for the freshest taste. Just a quick note: this salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary!

Pear & Feta Holiday Salad: 5 Reasons to Savor It

Author: [email protected]
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

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing salad with pears, feta cheese, and mixed greens, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe pears, sliced
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Wash and dry the mixed greens.
Slice the pears and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pears, feta, walnuts, and cranberries.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use ripe pears for the best flavor.
Toast walnuts for added crunch.
Substitute feta with goat cheese if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Pear & Feta Holiday Salad

Spread the love