Imagine a salad so breathtaking, it captures the entire essence of fall in one delectable bite. This Fall Salad with Pears and Candied Pecans isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary greens into a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Perfect for those seeking a quick, elegant dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant but can be prepared in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Core the pears and slice them into thin, uniform wedges. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the pear slices with a small amount of lemon juice.
- If the candied pecans are not pre-prepared, toast raw pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, then coat with a mixture of brown sugar and butter until caramelized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, gently arrange the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even surface.
- Carefully layer the sliced pears over the greens, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pears, allowing some pieces to fall between the fruit slices.
- Scatter the candied pecans across the top of the salad for added crunch and sweetness.
- Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring a light and even coating.
- Gently toss the salad to mix ingredients, being careful not to bruise the pears or crush the greens.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure the best texture and flavor in your salad.
- For maximum flavor, toast your pecans just before candying to enhance their nutty richness.
- Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together.
- Use a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to ensure your greens are completely dry, which helps the dressing cling better.
- Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon to make this salad a complete meal.
- If you're preparing ahead, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad's fresh crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
