Description
Seasonal pumpkin spice salad blends crisp harvest produce with zesty maple vinaigrette. Warm roasted vegetables and fresh greens create a delightful balance for seasonal dining pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240 g) pecan halves
- 1 cup (140 g) dried cranberries
- 10 oz (283 g) mixed greens
- 3 pears, chopped
- ½ cup (60 g) blue cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
- 6 tbsps (90 ml) white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Layer mixed greens on a serving platter, creating a vibrant green foundation for the autumn-inspired salad.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Strategically distribute pear chunks, dried cranberries, and toasted pecan halves across the greens, ensuring a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures.
- Create Vinaigrette: Whisk white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard together, gradually incorporating olive oil to form a smooth, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and optional sugar to balance flavors.
- Dress and Finish: Gently drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, carefully tossing to coat ingredients evenly. Crown the dish with crumbled blue cheese, allowing its rich, creamy essence to elevate the overall flavor profile.
Notes
- Advance Prep Tip: Chop pears and toast pecans up to 2 hours before serving to save time and maintain ingredient freshness.
- Dressing Stability: Whisk vinaigrette vigorously to prevent separation and ensure smooth, consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Selection: Use room temperature blue cheese for maximum flavor release and easier crumbling across the salad.
- Serving Strategy: Dress salad immediately before serving to prevent greens from wilting and maintain crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg