If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s equal parts crisp, juicy, and downright stunning, the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans is here to wow you. This salad celebrates the very best of the season: tender mixed greens, juicy ripe pears, lush candied pecans, tangy goat cheese, and a scattering of cranberries. It’s the perfect answer to the winter blues and an easy showstopper for any table—weekday lunch, holiday celebration, or that moment when you want something truly special with hardly any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad is how each ingredient brings something wonderful to the bowl: some sweetness here, a salty bite there, a pop of color or crunch everywhere. These easy-to-find ingredients are the key to making this Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans absolutely unforgettable.
- Mixed baby greens (6 cups): The delicate leaves form a fresh, tender backdrop that lets all the toppings shine.
- Ripe pears (2, thinly sliced): Choose firm but juicy pears—Bosc or Anjou work best for texture and that touch of subtle sweetness.
- Candied pecans (1/2 cup): The sweet crunch of these pecans adds warmth and irresistible texture.
- Goat cheese or feta (1/4 cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy cheese brings richness and just the right amount of salt for balance.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): A little sharpness for kick, best sliced paper-thin so it melds in, not overpowers.
- Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): Tart and sweet, they give little pops of flavor in every bite.
- Pomegranate seeds (1/4 cup, optional): Jewels of juiciness and blush-red color if you want to take it over the top.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): The foundation for a silky, luscious homemade dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): A bright burst of acidity to wake up all the other flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds creamy body and that little pungent punch to the dressing.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Natural sweetness to tie everything together, especially delicious with the pears and pecans.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t forget this finishing touch—season to perfection!
How to Make Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by giving all your produce a good rinse and pat dry. Slice the pears thinly—you want slender segments that look great and are easy to fork up. Crumble the goat cheese, thinly slice the red onion, and if you’re adding pomegranate seeds, have them ready to sprinkle.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
Grab a large salad bowl and add the mixed baby greens. Scatter in the pears, candied pecans, goat cheese or feta, red onion, dried cranberries, and those optional pomegranate seeds. The more colorful, the better—this salad is just as much a feast for the eyes!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Whisk (or shake) until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go so you hit just the right level of zing and richness.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the leaves are nicely coated without bruising them. The goal is every bite should have a balance of fruit, cheese, nuts, and greens.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
The Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans is best enjoyed right away, when the greens are crisp and the flavors at their brightest. Dish it up onto chilled plates if you really want to impress!
How to Serve Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans
Garnishes
The beauty of this salad is only heightened with a few thoughtful garnishes: add a final handful of candied pecans, a sprinkle of extra goat cheese, or a few flecks of flaky salt for even greater flavor and crunch. A twist or two of fresh ground black pepper right before serving adds a peppery aroma that makes every forkful pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans with a warm, crusty baguette or artisanal sourdough for a satisfying lunch. For a larger holiday spread, serve alongside roast chicken, turkey, or a creamy butternut squash soup for a meal that feels like an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching display at gatherings, arrange the salad on a large platter, fanning out the pear slices and scattering the nuts and cranberries over the top. Try layering salad ingredients in individual jars or mini bowls for a portable or picnic version. Elegant bowls with gold or silver forks make this simple salad feel truly special for winter festivities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The greens will soften over time but the flavors deepen, turning into a slightly marinated treat thanks to the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended, as the greens and pears will lose their crispness and become mushy when thawed. However, extra candied pecans and even leftover cheese can be frozen separately for later use.
Reheating
No reheating necessary for this salad—just give any refrigerated leftovers a gentle toss and enjoy cold. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before eating to keep the greens at their freshest.
FAQs
Can I make the Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans vegan?
Absolutely—just omit the goat cheese or use a favorite plant-based cheese alternative. Double-check that your candied pecans are vegan as well, as some are coated with honey or butter.
What kind of pears work best?
Bosc and Anjou pears are top picks because they hold their shape and offer superb sweetness without getting mushy. Choose pears that are ripe but still a bit firm for easiest slicing and optimal texture.
Can I use regular pecans instead of candied pecans?
Definitely! Toasted plain pecans add lovely crunch and nutty flavor. If you prefer less sweetness or want to cut back on sugar, unsweetened nuts are a fantastic swap.
Is it okay to swap out the cheese?
Goat cheese lends lush creaminess, but crumbled feta, blue cheese, or even fresh mozzarella pearls work beautifully. Use what you love or have on hand for your Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans.
How far in advance can I assemble the salad?
You can prep all the ingredients and mix the dressing a day ahead—just keep everything separate in the fridge. Toss together right before serving so every ingredient tastes as fresh as possible.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans brings together everything you want in a cold-weather salad: crisp, juicy, sweet, and savory. It’s colorful, endlessly adaptable, and crowd-pleasing, making it ideal for any occasion from quick lunches to showstopping holiday feasts. If you haven’t tried this gem yet, now’s your moment—dig in and let each bite brighten up your winter!
Print
Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Winter Salad with Pears and Pecans is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that come together in a vibrant and colorful dish. Perfect for the holiday season or any winter gathering, this salad is quick to assemble and bursting with freshness.
Ingredients
Mixed Baby Greens:
6 cups
Ripe Pears (thinly sliced):
2
Candied Pecans:
1/2 cup
Crumbled Goat Cheese or Feta:
1/4 cup
Thinly Sliced Red Onion:
1/4 cup
Dried Cranberries:
1/3 cup
Pomegranate Seeds (optional):
1/4 cup
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard:
1 tablespoon
Maple Syrup:
1 tablespoon
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, candied pecans, goat cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds if using.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with blue cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.
- Use fresh pear varieties like Bosc or Anjou for best texture and flavor.
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
