Imagine a salad so extraordinary that it becomes the unexpected star of your holiday feast! This Pomegranate, Pear, and Pecan Salad isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the most luxurious flavors of the season. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements, this salad will transform your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary, making your guests wonder how such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup brie cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water and spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. This will ensure your salad is crisp and fresh.
- Next, wash the ripe pear. Cut it in half, remove the core, and slice it into thin wedges. You can leave the skin on for added color and texture.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pear, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pecans. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled brie cheese over the top of the salad. The creaminess of the brie will complement the other flavors beautifully.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste preference. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste before adding too much salt, as the brie cheese can be salty on its own.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. This Thanksgiving Salad is perfect as a side dish for your holiday meal and is sure to impress your guests!
Tips
- Choose peak-season ingredients: Select a ripe, firm pear and fresh pomegranate seeds for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast pecans carefully: Watch them closely when toasting to prevent burning. The moment they become fragrant is the perfect time to remove them from heat.
- Prep ingredients in advance: You can wash greens, slice pears, and toast pecans ahead of time to make last-minute assembly a breeze.
- Dress just before serving: Add the balsamic vinaigrette at the last moment to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Experiment with cheese: If brie isn't your favorite, try goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add dried cranberries or swap pecans for walnuts to personalize the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
