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Fresh Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette and Pears

Vibrant Fresh Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette and Pears

Elevate your meal with this Fresh Fall Salad featuring a vibrant mix of crunchy pears and tart cranberries, topped with a delicious vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups Mixed Salad Greens kale or iceberg lettuce can also work well
  • 2 Pears Bartlett or Bosc varieties are recommended
  • 0.5 cups Dried Cranberries consider unsweetened dried cherries or raisins for a lower-sugar option
  • 0.75 cups Pecans toasted for enhanced flavor
  • 4 ounces Goat Cheese can use feta or blue cheese as alternatives
For the Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries star of the dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup maple syrup for a vegan version
  • 0.25 cups Apple Cider Vinegar adds tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard crucial for a smooth vinaigrette
  • 0.25 cups Olive Oil helps create a luscious dressing
  • 1 Garlic (optional) for enhanced flavor
  • to taste Salt and Pepper essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Saucepan
  • blender
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Cool on a plate.
  2. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining cranberries, honey or maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until cranberries burst, then cool slightly.
  3. Blend the cranberry mixture with Dijon mustard, olive oil, and optional garlic until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Crumble in goat cheese and toss gently.
  5. Slice the pears and arrange them on top of the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad before serving and toss softly to coat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the salad. Dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

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