Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Pear & Feta Holiday Salad! This salad is like a burst of festive cheer in a bowl, and it’s become a staple at my holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the table was filled with laughter and joy as everyone dug into this refreshing dish. The sweet, juicy pears paired with the salty, creamy feta create such a delightful contrast! Trust me, the colors and flavors just scream holiday spirit! It’s the perfect addition to any festive meal, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients List

2 ripe pears, sliced: Choose juicy, sweet pears for the best flavor; I love using Bartlett or Anjou pears!
100g feta cheese, crumbled: Look for creamy feta that crumbles easily—it’s the perfect salty contrast to the sweetness of the pears.
4 cups mixed greens: Use a vibrant mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for crunch and color.
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch—just toss them in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant!
1/4 cup dried cranberries: These little gems add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color; I always opt for unsweetened if I can find them.
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette: A good quality balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully; feel free to make your own or grab your favorite from the store!

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. This step is key because nobody wants a soggy salad!
Next, slice those beautiful ripe pears. I like to cut them into thin wedges to really showcase their sweetness!
Now, crumble your feta cheese. I usually do this by hand; it gives a nice rustic look and texture to the salad.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Wow, just look at those colors!
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the top, but hold off on tossing just yet. Give it a gentle toss to ensure everything is coated evenly—this is where all the magic happens!
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, and enjoy the festive flavors in every bite!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the nutrition in my Pear & Feta Holiday Salad! Now, keep in mind these values are estimates, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving:

Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for any holiday table. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: You can whip this salad up in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
Festive and colorful: The bright greens, juicy pears, and vibrant cranberries make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Combines sweet and savory flavors: The luscious sweetness of the pears perfectly complements the salty feta, creating a flavor explosion in every bite!
Healthy and vegetarian-friendly: This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday spread.
Perfect for holiday gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a big holiday bash, this salad is a delightful side dish that everyone will love!

Tips for Success

Choose the right pears: Look for ripe, juicy pears that yield slightly when pressed. This ensures maximum sweetness and flavor in your salad!
Prep ahead: You can wash and dry the mixed greens, slice the pears, and crumble the feta in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Toast your nuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do the trick!
Balance your flavors: If you prefer a little more sweetness, add extra dried cranberries or even a drizzle of honey. It’s all about finding that perfect balance that you love!
Serve chilled: For the best experience, keep the salad chilled before serving. It makes every bite refreshing and delightful, especially during those festive holiday gatherings!

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up with my Pear & Feta Holiday Salad, you’re in luck! There are so many fun variations you can try to suit your taste or the season. Here are some of my favorites:

Nutty twist: Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch! Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor, just like I mentioned before.
Seed power: For a nut-free option, add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They not only add crunch but are also packed with nutrients!
Fruit fiesta: Toss in some sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges for an extra burst of sweetness and color. They pair wonderfully with the feta and pears!
Herby delight: Add some fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing twist. Just a few leaves can elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Spicy kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños. It’s a fun way to contrast the sweetness of the pears!
Cheese variety: Try substituting goat cheese or blue cheese for the feta if you’re feeling adventurous. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor that can change the whole vibe of the salad!

These variations make it so easy to customize the Pear & Feta Holiday Salad to your liking or to match whatever ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combination!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your gorgeous Pear & Feta Holiday Salad ready, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This salad is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and beverages that can really enhance your meal experience.

Roasted Chicken: A succulent roasted chicken, seasoned to perfection, complements the freshness of the salad beautifully. The savory flavors of the chicken balance the sweetness of the pears!
Grilled Salmon: The rich, buttery flavor of grilled salmon makes for a delightful pairing. Just imagine the combination of flaky fish with crunchy greens—yum!
Pasta Primavera: For a vegetarian option, a light pasta primavera tossed with seasonal veggies and a fragrant olive oil dressing complements the salad without overpowering it.
Quiche: A slice of spinach and feta quiche adds a comforting touch to your holiday table. The cheesy, savory goodness is the perfect match for the sweet and tangy salad.
Beverages: Pair your meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with a splash of lemon to refresh your palate. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a homemade lemonade or herbal iced tea would be lovely!

These pairing suggestions not only elevate your dining experience but also make your holiday meal feel complete and satisfying. Enjoy every bite of your festive feast!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers of my Pear & Feta Holiday Salad (though I doubt there will be much!), storing it properly is key to keeping those fresh flavors intact. Here’s how I do it:

Store in an airtight container: After serving, transfer any leftover salad into a clean, airtight container. This helps keep the greens crisp and the flavors vibrant!
Keep the dressing separate: If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best to enjoy it the same day. If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the dressing on the side. This way, the greens won’t get soggy!
Refrigerate: Pop the container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. Just be sure to give it a quick check before you dive in again—if anything looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it!
No reheating needed: This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just grab it from the fridge, toss it with a bit more dressing if it needs it, and enjoy that refreshing flavor all over again!

By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your Pear & Feta Holiday Salad remains a delightful treat for days to come. Happy enjoying!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Learn more about the health benefits of pears here.

For a great balsamic vinaigrette recipe, visit Food Network.

Pear & Feta Holiday Salad: 5 Festive Flavors Unite

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and festive salad combining pears and feta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe pears, sliced
100g feta cheese, crumbled
4 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Wash and dry the mixed greens.
Slice the pears and crumble the feta cheese.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pears, feta, walnuts, and cranberries.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use ripe pears for the best flavor.
Feel free to add other nuts or seeds.
This salad can be prepared ahead of time, just add dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Pear & Feta Holiday Salad

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