Winter Green Salad with Pear and Walnuts (Printable)
Crisp winter greens with sweet pears, toasted walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette.
# What You'll Need:
→ Greens
01 - 4 cups mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, or spinach), washed and dried
→ Fruit
02 - 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
→ Nuts & Cheese
03 - 1/2 cup walnut halves
04 - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
→ Dressing
05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
09 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
10 - 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
12 - Freshly cracked black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnut halves and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
03 - Place the washed and dried winter greens in a large salad bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced pears over the greens.
04 - Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the greens and pears. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
05 - Scatter the toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese or feta (if using) over the dressed salad. Distribute evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
06 - Garnish with pomegranate seeds and an additional grinding of fresh black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while the walnuts remain crunchy and the greens are crisp.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The toasted walnuts add this incredible warmth that makes you forget its raw and cold
- Something magical happens when the vinaigrette hits those peppery winter greens
02 -
- Dressing salad too early makes it soggy and sad, so wait until you are literally walking to the table
- The difference between walnuts toasted properly versus burned is about thirty seconds, so do not walk away from the stove
03 -
- Dry your greens thoroughly or the dressing will slide right off
- Taste a pear before committing—if it is not sweet and ripe, the salad will not work