## 🎄🥗 Festive Holiday Salad with Pears and Walnuts 🥗🎄
### Introduction
Welcome, culinary enthusiasts! Today we’ll be preparing a light and delicious festive special – a holiday salad with pears and walnuts. This perfect blend of sweet and crunchy is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings and will add that burst of popular winter flavours to your meal!
### Why make this recipe
Pears and walnuts have always been a classic combo and in this recipe, they shine like the stars atop a yuletide tree. Both pears and walnuts offer numerous health benefits, making this salad a nutritious addition to your holiday table. Not only is it a breeze to put together, but its presentation can also enhance the festive look of your spread.
### How to make Festive Holiday Salad with Pears and Walnuts
This recipe only requires a total of 15 minutes from prep to serve. Classy and time-efficient? We hear those jingle bells already!
### Ingredients
– 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
– 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
– 1 cup toasted walnuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
### Directions
1. Combine the mixed greens, pears, toasted walnuts, blue cheese (if using), cranberries, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together.
4. Serve immediately to keep the salad fresh and crispy.
### How to serve Festive Holiday Salad with Pears and Walnuts
This salad serves as an excellent accompaniment to festive entrees, from roasted turkey to glazed ham. Simply serve it in a festive salad bowl and let your guests help themselves!
### How to store Festive Holiday Salad with Pears and Walnuts
It’s best to eat this salad fresh. However, if you must prepare in advance, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate. You can store it for up to two days. Combine and toss just before serving.
### Tips to make Festive Holiday Salad with Pears and Walnuts
– Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape in the salad.
– You can replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.
– Toast the walnuts for a deeper flavour and crunch.
### Variation
You can add chopped apples or substitute the pears with oranges for an exciting twist.
### FAQs
– Can I replace walnuts with other nuts?
*Yes, you can use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.*
– Which substitutes for blue cheese can I use?
*You can substitute blue cheese with feta or gorgonzola, depending on your taste preference.*
– I’m allergic to honey. What other sweeteners can I use?
*You can use maple syrup or a pinch of sugar as a sweetener if you’re allergic to honey.*
There you have it, folks! An easy, wholesome, and delicious holiday salad. May your holiday table be festive and your hearts full of joy this season! 🥗✨