Zesty Balsamic Pear and Cranberry Salad Recipe for Fall Flavors

The humble culinary world finds unexpected magic with this balsamic pear and cranberry salad.

Crisp autumn produce dances together in a vibrant medley of flavors and textures.

Sweet pears mingle with tart cranberries, creating a symphony on your plate.

Sharp undertones from balsamic vinegar add depth and complexity to each delightful bite.

Seasonal ingredients shine brilliantly in this simple yet elegant composition.

Crunchy greens provide a perfect backdrop for the star elements.

Prepare to be delighted by this quick and impressive dish that promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Is Sweet And Tart

• Whip Up Quickly: This salad comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal preparations.
• Elevate Everyday Eating: The combination of sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans transforms an ordinary salad into a gourmet experience that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Loaded with fresh greens, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and protein-packed pecans, this salad delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in every colorful bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a side dish that impresses, this salad adapts beautifully to any occasion and satisfies diverse taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Mixed Greens: Fresh and crisp leafy mix that forms the foundation of the salad, providing a light and nutritious base.
• Pears: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds a delicate flavor and soft texture to the salad, best when ripe but still firm.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty vegetable that brings a spicy crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds richness and a smooth contrast to the crisp greens.
• Candied Pecans: Sweet and crunchy nut topping that provides a delightful caramelized crunch and nutty flavor.

• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet berries that contribute a burst of flavor and chewy texture to the salad.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich and complex vinegar that creates a deep, slightly sweet dressing base.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity oil that helps blend the dressing and adds a subtle richness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy vinegar and softens the overall dressing flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty and smooth condiment that helps emulsify the dressing and adds a slight kick.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the salad.
• Black Pepper: Warm and spicy seasoning that adds a gentle heat to the dressing.

Steps To Toss Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Together

Step 1: Whisk Tangy Dressing

In a small mixing container, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients vigorously until they create a smooth, shiny mixture. Let the dressing sit and allow the flavors to mingle while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Chop and Arrange Fresh Ingredients

• Wash mixed greens thoroughly
• Slice pears into thin, elegant wedges
• Sprinkle dried cranberries
• Thinly slice red onion
• Crumble soft goat cheese
• Break candied pecans into delicate pieces

Step 3: Create Delicious Harmony

Spread the crisp mixed greens as a vibrant base in a large serving bowl. Gracefully layer each prepared ingredient on top of the greens. The colors and textures will create a stunning visual presentation.

Step 4: Finish with Flavorful Finale

Gently drizzle the previously prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. Use a light touch to ensure every ingredient gets a delicate coating. Softly toss the salad to blend the flavors without crushing the delicate components. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of complementary tastes in every bite.

Tips For A Balanced Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Perfectly Slice Pears: Use a sharp knife to cut pears into thin, uniform slices that showcase their natural shape and prevent browning by immediately tossing them into the salad.
• Balance Tangy and Sweet: Adjust the honey in the dressing to control sweetness, creating a perfect harmony between the balsamic vinegar's tanginess and the pears' natural sweetness.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles, catering to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, roasted almonds, or quinoa to transform this salad into a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and assemble quickly when ready to serve.

How To Keep Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Keep the prepared dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays sealed tightly.
• Store mixed greens in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, which helps prevent wilting and extends their crisp texture.
• Separate delicate ingredients like goat cheese and candied pecans in individual containers to preserve their unique textures and prevent them from becoming soft or losing their crunch.

What Pairs With Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the salad's sweet and tangy flavors, cutting through the richness of goat cheese while enhancing the pear's delicate taste.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken: Tender, herb-seasoned grilled chicken breast creates a protein-packed meal that balances the salad's light and refreshing components, making it a complete and satisfying dinner option.
• Add Crusty Artisan Bread: A warm slice of rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia provides a delightful textural contrast, helping to soak up the delicious balsamic dressing and adding a hearty element to the dish.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of lemon-infused sparkling water or a light elderflower spritzer cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the salad's vibrant and fresh ingredients.

Flavor Twists For Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad

• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta, swap pecans for toasted pine nuts, and add sliced kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version of the salad.
• Autumn Harvest Remix: Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes, add crispy bacon bits, switch to blue cheese crumbles, and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for a hearty seasonal variation.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Substitute mixed greens with baby spinach, add grilled corn kernels, include diced avocado, top with pepper jack cheese, and mix a touch of chipotle into the dressing for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Transformation: Replace balsamic dressing with sesame-ginger vinaigrette, use mandarin orange segments instead of pears, add crispy wonton strips, and garnish with sliced almonds for an exotic flavor profile.

Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad FAQs

• Why use balsamic vinegar in this salad dressing?

Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the pears and goat cheese. Its deep, complex taste elevates the entire salad from ordinary to gourmet.

• Can I swap the goat cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely! Feta or blue cheese work wonderfully in this salad. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor profile that can create a slightly different taste experience while maintaining the salad’s elegant character.

• How do I make sure my pears are ripe and perfect for the salad?

Choose pears that are firm but yield slightly when gently pressed near the stem. They should have a sweet aroma and no bruising. Bartlett or Anjou pears are excellent choices for this recipe.

• Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes! This salad is completely vegetarian-friendly. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and provides a great balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy vegetarian diners.

Balsamic Pear And Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp winter “balsamic pear and cranberry salad” brings Mediterranean elegance to your table with tangy cranberries and sweet roasted pears. Elegant ingredients dance together, creating a sophisticated symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) mixed greens
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75 grams) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 grams) crumbled goat cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) candied pecans

Vegetable Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking balsamic vinegar with olive oil, blending honey and Dijon mustard to create a smooth, tangy emulsion. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring the dressing achieves a perfect balance of flavors.
2. Prepare a lush bed of mixed greens in a spacious serving bowl, creating a verdant foundation for the salad.
3. Carefully layer thinly sliced pears across the greens, allowing their delicate curves to cascade naturally over the leafy base.
4. Sprinkle dried cranberries throughout the salad, introducing bursts of deep crimson and subtle tartness.
5. Thinly slice red onion into translucent rings, dispersing them gently to provide a sharp, aromatic undertone.
6. Crumble creamy goat cheese over the salad, creating delightful white pockets that contrast with the vibrant ingredients.
7. Scatter candied pecans across the surface, adding a crunchy, caramelized dimension to the composition.
8. Moments before serving, drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette across the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a light, glossy coating.
9. Gently toss the elements together, allowing the dressing to marry the flavors and create a harmonious, elegant dish.

Notes

• Slice pears just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh, crisp texture.
• Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Use fresh, seasonal pears for the best taste and optimal sweetness in your dish.
• Swap goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg