Autumn Apple and Pear Salad
User Reviews
4.5
Autumn Apple and Pear Salad
Description
The Autumn Apple and Pear Salad blends crisp mixed greens with the natural sweetness and crunch of thinly sliced apple and pear. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy component, while dried cranberries bring bursts of sweetness. Toasted sliced almonds contribute a nutty crunch, and chopped cooked bacon lends savory, smoky notes. The separate balsamic vinaigrette combines balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and maple syrup, creating a nuanced dressing that brightens the salad without causing wilting until ready to serve. This salad showcases a thoughtful layering of fresh and cooked elements for satisfying texture and flavor contrasts.
Ideal as a light lunch or as a side, this salad pairs well with roasted meats or grilled dishes. Serving the vinaigrette alongside allows guests to control the amount of dressing for freshness. The salad components can be prepared in advance, with apple and pear slices held in cold water briefly to reduce browning if necessary.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 7 ounces mixed greens
- 1 pear thinly sliced
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons almonds toasted, sliced
- 4 lices Bacon cooked and chopped
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the spring mix to a serving bowl. Top it with the sliced apple and pear, crumbled feta, bacon, dried cranberries and almonds.
- Add the ingredients for the vinaigrette to a jar with a lid or a glass measuring cup and shake or whisk until combined.
- Serve the vinaigrette alongside the salad to keep the ingredients from becoming soggy and wilted.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 290kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 506mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.