Description
A stunning mix of crisp pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy cheese over peppery greens, drizzled with a thick balsamic glaze. This is the ultimate winter salad — quick, elegant, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re planning an easy dinner, a holiday gathering, or looking for healthy snack or lunch ideas, this easy recipe delivers beautiful results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
5 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
1/3 cup toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent pears from browning)
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the greens thoroughly. Set aside.
2. Thinly slice the pears. If prepping ahead, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
4. In a large bowl or serving platter, spread out the greens.
5. Layer pear slices over the greens in an overlapping pattern.
6. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, crumbled cheese, and toasted walnuts on top.
7. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
8. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
Notes
Let the toasted walnuts cool before adding — warm nuts can wilt your greens.
Use a mandoline for even, thin pear slices that look elegant and layer well.
You can double the balsamic glaze for a stronger tangy-sweet finish — just don’t overdress the greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous salad plate
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pear salad, winter salad, healthy salad, balsamic salad, quick dinner, easy recipe, holiday salad