What ingredients do I need to make a Winter Pear Salad?

To prepare a Winter Pear Salad, you will need ripe D'Anjou and Bosc pears, kale, thinly sliced prosciutto, candied pecans, fresh figs, dried cranberries, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. The salad is typically dressed with a cranberry balsamic dressing made from balsamic vinegar, cranberry preserves, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors with varying textures.

How can I make a simple cranberry balsamic dressing for this salad?

To make the cranberry balsamic dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce or preserves, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined. This dressing adds a fruity and tangy flavor that complements the pears and cheese in the salad.

Can I substitute the kale with other greens in the Winter Pear Salad?

Yes, kale can be swapped with other greens like spinach, romaine lettuce, shaved Brussels sprouts, or mixed salad greens. Each substitute will alter the texture and flavor slightly; for example, spinach offers a softer, milder base, while Brussels sprouts contribute a crunchier bite. Choose greens based on your preference but note that the robust taste of kale is part of the salad’s traditional character.

Why is the prosciutto sautéed before adding it to the salad?

Sautéing prosciutto enhances its flavor by browning the meat, which develops a richer aroma and a slightly sweeter taste through the Maillard reaction. It also changes the texture, making prosciutto crispier and adding a pleasant crunch that contrasts well with the salad’s fresh ingredients.

What wine pairs well with a Winter Pear Salad?

This salad pairs well with light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau, which complement the fruit and cheese without overpowering them. Bold white wines like an oaked Chardonnay or a late-harvest sweet Riesling also work, as their acidity and sweetness balance the salad's tangy dressing and salty elements.

Winter Pear Salad Recipe Ideas With Fresh Greens 2024

Ingredients

– 1 D’Anjou pear, sliced very thin

– 1 Bosc pear, sliced very thin

– 3 mission figs, quartered

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup prosciutto, lightly sautéed

– 1/3 cup gorgonzola cheese

– 1 cup maple candied pecans

– 1 bunch kale, stems removed and cut into pieces

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

– 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or preserves

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1-Getting started with this winter pear salad recipe is as easy as it gets, and it all begins with prepping your ingredients for the best results. First, in a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or preserves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed, then set it aside to let the flavors meld remember to give it another quick whisk before drizzling it on later.

2-Next, heat 1/2 cup prosciutto in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s just browned and toasty, which adds a wonderful crunch and depth. Wash and dry all your fruit, then slice the pears 1 D’Anjou pear and 1 Bosc pear into very thin slices for that elegant look, or cut them into 1/4-inch cubes if you’re planning for leftovers. Quarter the 3 mission figs to bring in a burst of berry-like flavor that complements the pears perfectly.

3-Remove the stems from 1 bunch kale and tear or cut it into roughly 1/2-inch pieces for a hearty base. In a salad bowl, start by layering the prepared kale, then add the sliced pears, quartered figs, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, the sautéed prosciutto, 1/3 cup gorgonzola cheese, and 1 cup maple candied pecans in sections. Finally, drizzle on the dressing and toss gently if you like, or serve it right away for the freshest taste. If you’re looking for more salad inspiration, try our 7-layer salad for a fun twist on layered veggies.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥣 Prepare the dressing first to let flavors meld.
🔥 Lightly sauté prosciutto to enhance aroma and sweetness.
🍋 Toss kale with olive oil, salt, and lemon juice beforehand to soften leaves without wilting.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing and sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup