![- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced - 1 cup mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach) - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad mixes sweet and savory well. The ripe pears add a juicy sweetness. I love how they contrast with the tangy feta cheese. You can use any mix of salad greens you prefer. Arugula brings a nice peppery bite, while spinach adds a soft texture. Toasting the walnuts makes them crunchy and flavorful. I recommend doing this in a dry skillet. It takes about five minutes to get them golden. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. The red onion gives a bit of sharpness. If it’s too strong for you, soak it in cold water for a few minutes. This will soften its flavor. Dried cranberries add color and a chewy texture. They also balance the flavors nicely. For the dressing, I use a simple mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. This combo gives the salad a bright, sweet, and tangy finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! A little goes a long way. Gather all these ingredients for a fresh and healthy delight. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy each bite of this vibrant salad! 1. Toasting the walnuts Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the pan. Toast them for about five minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. You want them golden and fragrant. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool. 2. Combining salad ingredients Grab a large salad bowl. Add the mixed greens first. Then, place your thinly sliced pears on top. Next, toss in the cooled walnuts. Add the crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine all the flavors. 3. Whisking the dressing In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing brings everything together. - Best practices for serving the salad Serve the salad right away for the best taste and texture. If you want to prepare it ahead, refrigerate it for up to 20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together. - Presentation tips for elegance For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a large platter. This creates a family-style feel. Alternatively, use individual bowls for a more refined look. Top each bowl with extra feta and walnuts. Add a few slices of pear on top for color. - Prep time breakdown You can make this salad in just 10 minutes. This includes toasting the walnuts and mixing the ingredients. - Total time to serve From start to finish, the total time is about 15 minutes. This means you can enjoy a fresh, healthy salad in no time! For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe] section. - Alternative nut options: If you prefer, you can swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds. Both add a nice crunch and taste great. - Cheese variations for flavor: You can use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. These cheeses bring different flavors, making your salad unique. - Customizing the acidity and sweetness: You can change the amount of balsamic vinegar and honey to fit your taste. Add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness. - Suggested fresh herbs for added flavor: Toss in some fresh basil or mint for a burst of flavor. They complement the pears and feta well. - Scaling the recipe for larger gatherings: If you're hosting a party, simply double or triple the recipe. This salad is easy to scale up. - Adjusting ingredient ratios for fewer servings: For a smaller meal, cut the ingredients in half. You can still enjoy all the flavors without waste. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better by adding fruits in season. In fall, try sliced apples or pomegranates. In summer, peaches or berries add a fresh twist. Mixing in other greens can also change the texture. You could use kale for a hearty bite or watercress for a peppery touch. Each green brings its own flavor and crunch. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese and honey. Use a vegan cheese alternative made from nuts. This keeps the salad creamy without dairy. If you want gluten-free options, focus on fresh ingredients. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or farro to add bulk. Just make sure they are cooked well and cooled before mixing. Spices can add a kick to your salad. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A dash of cayenne can bring out the sweetness of the pears. For extra crunch, consider toppings like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These add a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite. You can also toss in crispy chickpeas for a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the Pear Walnut Delight Salad. To keep your pear walnut salad fresh, refrigerate it right after serving. Use an airtight container to seal in flavors. This salad tastes best within a day of making. If you plan to eat it later, store the dressing separately. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors bright. Always choose fresh ingredients. Fresh pears, greens, and feta make a big difference in taste. You can freeze some components, but not the whole salad. Walnuts can freeze well for up to three months. Feta cheese can also be frozen, but it may change texture. Pears and greens do not freeze well. They turn mushy when thawed. It’s best to store ingredients separately. This way, you can enjoy them fresh at your convenience. If you have leftovers, enjoy them cold or at room temperature. This salad tastes best when fresh. If you need to reheat, do it gently on low heat. Avoid the microwave as it can make the greens wilt. Use glass containers for storage; they keep flavors intact. Airtight lids help prevent drying out. Enjoy your salad's taste even on the second day! To make this salad, start by toasting the walnuts. Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them for about five minutes until they turn golden and smell great. Then, let them cool. Next, take a large bowl and combine the mixed salad greens, sliced pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, red onion, and dried cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this over the salad and toss gently to mix. Serve right away for the best taste. You can find the full recipe above. Yes! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, keep the dressing separate for best results. Mix the salad ingredients without the dressing. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crispy. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and salt. This will give you a similar texture and flavor profile. To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir them often. Toast for about five minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and cool before adding to your salad. This salad combines ripe pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta for great flavor. You saw how to prepare it step-by-step and learned handy tips for success. Remember, you can customize this dish based on your taste. Try new ingredients or dressings for fun variations. The freshness of this salad makes it perfect for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing it with friends and family. You’ll love how easy it is to impress everyone!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e6e51e55-0173-4d9c-ab87-3d16ad19212c-768x768.webp)
Looking for a fresh, healthy dish that’s both simple and delicious? This Pear Walnut Salad with Feta is your answer! Combining sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, this salad is a taste sensation. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering ingredients to serving tips, so you can impress yourself and your guests. Dive into the goodness of this delightful salad and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredients List
– 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
– 1 cup mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach)
– 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
This salad mixes sweet and savory well. The ripe pears add a juicy sweetness. I love how they contrast with the tangy feta cheese. You can use any mix of salad greens you prefer. Arugula brings a nice peppery bite, while spinach adds a soft texture.
Toasting the walnuts makes them crunchy and flavorful. I recommend doing this in a dry skillet. It takes about five minutes to get them golden. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
The red onion gives a bit of sharpness. If it’s too strong for you, soak it in cold water for a few minutes. This will soften its flavor. Dried cranberries add color and a chewy texture. They also balance the flavors nicely.
For the dressing, I use a simple mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. This combo gives the salad a bright, sweet, and tangy finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! A little goes a long way.
Gather all these ingredients for a fresh and healthy delight. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy each bite of this vibrant salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Toasting the walnuts
Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the pan. Toast them for about five minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. You want them golden and fragrant. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool.
2. Combining salad ingredients
Grab a large salad bowl. Add the mixed greens first. Then, place your thinly sliced pears on top. Next, toss in the cooled walnuts. Add the crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine all the flavors.
3. Whisking the dressing
In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing brings everything together.
Serving Guidelines
– Best practices for serving the salad
Serve the salad right away for the best taste and texture. If you want to prepare it ahead, refrigerate it for up to 20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together.
– Presentation tips for elegance
For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a large platter. This creates a family-style feel. Alternatively, use individual bowls for a more refined look. Top each bowl with extra feta and walnuts. Add a few slices of pear on top for color.
Timing Considerations
– Prep time breakdown
You can make this salad in just 10 minutes. This includes toasting the walnuts and mixing the ingredients.
– Total time to serve
From start to finish, the total time is about 15 minutes. This means you can enjoy a fresh, healthy salad in no time!
For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe] section.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Substitutions
– Alternative nut options: If you prefer, you can swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds. Both add a nice crunch and taste great.
– Cheese variations for flavor: You can use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. These cheeses bring different flavors, making your salad unique.
Dressing Adjustments
– Customizing the acidity and sweetness: You can change the amount of balsamic vinegar and honey to fit your taste. Add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.
– Suggested fresh herbs for added flavor: Toss in some fresh basil or mint for a burst of flavor. They complement the pears and feta well.
Serving Size Adaptations
– Scaling the recipe for larger gatherings: If you’re hosting a party, simply double or triple the recipe. This salad is easy to scale up.
– Adjusting ingredient ratios for fewer servings: For a smaller meal, cut the ingredients in half. You can still enjoy all the flavors without waste.
Variations
Seasonal Additions
You can make this salad even better by adding fruits in season. In fall, try sliced apples or pomegranates. In summer, peaches or berries add a fresh twist.
Mixing in other greens can also change the texture. You could use kale for a hearty bite or watercress for a peppery touch. Each green brings its own flavor and crunch.
Dietary Modifications
For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese and honey. Use a vegan cheese alternative made from nuts. This keeps the salad creamy without dairy.
If you want gluten-free options, focus on fresh ingredients. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or farro to add bulk. Just make sure they are cooked well and cooled before mixing.
Flavor Enhancements
Spices can add a kick to your salad. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A dash of cayenne can bring out the sweetness of the pears.
For extra crunch, consider toppings like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These add a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite. You can also toss in crispy chickpeas for a fun twist.
For the full recipe, check out the Pear Walnut Delight Salad.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your pear walnut salad fresh, refrigerate it right after serving. Use an airtight container to seal in flavors. This salad tastes best within a day of making. If you plan to eat it later, store the dressing separately. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors bright. Always choose fresh ingredients. Fresh pears, greens, and feta make a big difference in taste.
Long-term Storage
You can freeze some components, but not the whole salad. Walnuts can freeze well for up to three months. Feta cheese can also be frozen, but it may change texture. Pears and greens do not freeze well. They turn mushy when thawed. It’s best to store ingredients separately. This way, you can enjoy them fresh at your convenience.
Reheating Recommendations
If you have leftovers, enjoy them cold or at room temperature. This salad tastes best when fresh. If you need to reheat, do it gently on low heat. Avoid the microwave as it can make the greens wilt. Use glass containers for storage; they keep flavors intact. Airtight lids help prevent drying out. Enjoy your salad’s taste even on the second day!
FAQs
How do I make a pear walnut salad with feta?
To make this salad, start by toasting the walnuts. Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them for about five minutes until they turn golden and smell great. Then, let them cool. Next, take a large bowl and combine the mixed salad greens, sliced pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, red onion, and dried cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this over the salad and toss gently to mix. Serve right away for the best taste. You can find the full recipe above.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, keep the dressing separate for best results. Mix the salad ingredients without the dressing. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crispy.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and salt. This will give you a similar texture and flavor profile.
How do I toast walnuts for the salad?
To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir them often. Toast for about five minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and cool before adding to your salad.
This salad combines ripe pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta for great flavor. You saw how to prepare it step-by-step and learned handy tips for success. Remember, you can customize this dish based on your taste. Try new ingredients or dressings for fun variations. The freshness of this salad makes it perfect for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing it with friends and family. You’ll love how easy it is to impress everyone!
![- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced - 1 cup mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach) - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad mixes sweet and savory well. The ripe pears add a juicy sweetness. I love how they contrast with the tangy feta cheese. You can use any mix of salad greens you prefer. Arugula brings a nice peppery bite, while spinach adds a soft texture. Toasting the walnuts makes them crunchy and flavorful. I recommend doing this in a dry skillet. It takes about five minutes to get them golden. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. The red onion gives a bit of sharpness. If it’s too strong for you, soak it in cold water for a few minutes. This will soften its flavor. Dried cranberries add color and a chewy texture. They also balance the flavors nicely. For the dressing, I use a simple mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. This combo gives the salad a bright, sweet, and tangy finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! A little goes a long way. Gather all these ingredients for a fresh and healthy delight. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy each bite of this vibrant salad! 1. Toasting the walnuts Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the pan. Toast them for about five minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. You want them golden and fragrant. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool. 2. Combining salad ingredients Grab a large salad bowl. Add the mixed greens first. Then, place your thinly sliced pears on top. Next, toss in the cooled walnuts. Add the crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine all the flavors. 3. Whisking the dressing In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing brings everything together. - Best practices for serving the salad Serve the salad right away for the best taste and texture. If you want to prepare it ahead, refrigerate it for up to 20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together. - Presentation tips for elegance For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a large platter. This creates a family-style feel. Alternatively, use individual bowls for a more refined look. Top each bowl with extra feta and walnuts. Add a few slices of pear on top for color. - Prep time breakdown You can make this salad in just 10 minutes. This includes toasting the walnuts and mixing the ingredients. - Total time to serve From start to finish, the total time is about 15 minutes. This means you can enjoy a fresh, healthy salad in no time! For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe] section. - Alternative nut options: If you prefer, you can swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds. Both add a nice crunch and taste great. - Cheese variations for flavor: You can use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. These cheeses bring different flavors, making your salad unique. - Customizing the acidity and sweetness: You can change the amount of balsamic vinegar and honey to fit your taste. Add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness. - Suggested fresh herbs for added flavor: Toss in some fresh basil or mint for a burst of flavor. They complement the pears and feta well. - Scaling the recipe for larger gatherings: If you're hosting a party, simply double or triple the recipe. This salad is easy to scale up. - Adjusting ingredient ratios for fewer servings: For a smaller meal, cut the ingredients in half. You can still enjoy all the flavors without waste. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better by adding fruits in season. In fall, try sliced apples or pomegranates. In summer, peaches or berries add a fresh twist. Mixing in other greens can also change the texture. You could use kale for a hearty bite or watercress for a peppery touch. Each green brings its own flavor and crunch. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese and honey. Use a vegan cheese alternative made from nuts. This keeps the salad creamy without dairy. If you want gluten-free options, focus on fresh ingredients. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or farro to add bulk. Just make sure they are cooked well and cooled before mixing. Spices can add a kick to your salad. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A dash of cayenne can bring out the sweetness of the pears. For extra crunch, consider toppings like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These add a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite. You can also toss in crispy chickpeas for a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the Pear Walnut Delight Salad. To keep your pear walnut salad fresh, refrigerate it right after serving. Use an airtight container to seal in flavors. This salad tastes best within a day of making. If you plan to eat it later, store the dressing separately. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors bright. Always choose fresh ingredients. Fresh pears, greens, and feta make a big difference in taste. You can freeze some components, but not the whole salad. Walnuts can freeze well for up to three months. Feta cheese can also be frozen, but it may change texture. Pears and greens do not freeze well. They turn mushy when thawed. It’s best to store ingredients separately. This way, you can enjoy them fresh at your convenience. If you have leftovers, enjoy them cold or at room temperature. This salad tastes best when fresh. If you need to reheat, do it gently on low heat. Avoid the microwave as it can make the greens wilt. Use glass containers for storage; they keep flavors intact. Airtight lids help prevent drying out. Enjoy your salad's taste even on the second day! To make this salad, start by toasting the walnuts. Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them for about five minutes until they turn golden and smell great. Then, let them cool. Next, take a large bowl and combine the mixed salad greens, sliced pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, red onion, and dried cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this over the salad and toss gently to mix. Serve right away for the best taste. You can find the full recipe above. Yes! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, keep the dressing separate for best results. Mix the salad ingredients without the dressing. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crispy. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and salt. This will give you a similar texture and flavor profile. To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir them often. Toast for about five minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and cool before adding to your salad. This salad combines ripe pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta for great flavor. You saw how to prepare it step-by-step and learned handy tips for success. Remember, you can customize this dish based on your taste. Try new ingredients or dressings for fun variations. The freshness of this salad makes it perfect for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing it with friends and family. You’ll love how easy it is to impress everyone!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e6e51e55-0173-4d9c-ab87-3d16ad19212c-250x250.webp)
