Winter Pear Greens Salad (Printable)

Crisp greens, juicy pears, nuts, and tangy vinaigrette combine for a fresh, bright salad.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 5 oz mixed winter greens (arugula, baby kale, spinach)

→ Fruit

02 - 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced

→ Cheese (optional)

03 - 2 oz crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese

→ Nuts

04 - ⅓ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

→ Vinaigrette

05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
09 - ¼ tsp sea salt
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
02 - Place mixed winter greens and sliced pears in a large salad bowl.
03 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens and pears, then toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled cheese and chopped toasted nuts over the salad.
05 - Serve the salad immediately to maintain freshness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It manages to feel both indulgent and healthy, like a delicious secret you’re happy to share.
  • The blend of tangy vinaigrette with toasted nuts keeps every bite exciting and fresh.
02 -
  • Make sure the pear slices are thin enough to blend with the greens but not so thin they turn mushy quickly.
  • Toasting nuts is a game changer—it unlocks their flavor and adds texture you don’t want to miss.
03 -
  • Whisk the dressing vigorously to create a smooth emulsion that clings to the salad better.
  • Use a mix of greens to add different textures and flavors, making the salad more dynamic.