Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Colors: The vibrant reds and greens make this salad a visually appealing centerpiece for any holiday meal.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet fruits paired with tangy dressing and savory feta create a harmonious blend.
- Varied Textures: Crunchy pecans and cucumbers contrast beautifully with the soft pears and creamy cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 cups spring lettuce mix
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 3/4 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Spread the spring lettuce on a large platter or place it in a bowl.
- Arrange the pears, pomegranate arils, red onion, cucumbers, and candied pecans on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, honey, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, minced shallot, poppy seeds, minced garlic, ground mustard, and salt). Whisk or shake until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side to allow guests to add their preferred amount.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Nuts: Substitute candied pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Cheese: Replace feta with goat cheese or blue cheese to alter the flavor profile.
- Additional Fruits: Add dried cranberries or apple slices for extra sweetness and texture.
- Protein: Include grilled chicken, turkey, or ham to make it a more substantial main dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep the dressing in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
- Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and cold; reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
2. What type of pears work best for this salad?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears are excellent choices due to their sweetness and firm texture.
3. How can I tell if a pear is ripe?
Gently press near the stem; if it yields slightly, the pear is ripe.
4. Can I use a different dressing?
Certainly! A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing would also complement the flavors well.
5. Are there alternatives to candied pecans?
Yes, you can use regular pecans, walnuts, or almonds, either raw or toasted.
6. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Ensure that any store-bought items, like the dressing or candied pecans, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
7. Can I add protein to this salad?
Adding grilled chicken, turkey, or ham can make the salad more filling and serve as a main course.
8. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or blue cheese are good alternatives that provide a similar creamy texture.
9. How should I slice the pears?
Thinly slice the pears to ensure they integrate well with the other salad ingredients and are easy to eat.
10. Can I use dried pomegranate seeds?
Fresh pomegranate arils are recommended for their juiciness, but dried ones can be used in a pinch, keeping in mind they will have a different texture.
Conclusion
This Christmas Pear Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals. Its vibrant colors and harmonious ingredients make it a standout dish that is both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Christmas Pear Salad with pomegranate and candied pecans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A festive Christmas Pear Salad with pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and creamy feta, topped with a luscious poppy seed dressing. This vibrant and flavorful holiday salad is perfect for impressing your guests with its stunning colors, balanced flavors, and delightful textures.
Ingredients
- 6 cups spring lettuce mix
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 3/4 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Spread the spring lettuce mix evenly on a large platter or in a bowl.
- Arrange pear slices, pomegranate arils, red onion, cucumbers, and candied pecans over the lettuce.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier dish.
- Store salad components and dressing separately to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
