Imagine a salad so incredible that it transforms your everyday greens into a culinary masterpiece. The Cashew Pear Tossed Salad is not just a dish; it's a symphony of flavors that will revolutionize your lunch or dinner experience. With a perfect balance of crisp greens, sweet pears, crunchy cashews, and tangy feta, this recipe promises to elevate your salad game from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a simple yet sophisticated dish that takes just 10 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the ripe pears into thin, uniform wedges, removing the core and stem. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the pear slices with a small amount of lemon juice.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even, fluffy foundation for the other ingredients.
- Arrange the sliced pears decoratively across the top of the mixed greens, distributing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the raw cashews over the salad, ensuring they are scattered throughout for consistent crunch in each bite.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, allowing small chunks to fall naturally across the surface.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the entire salad, using a circular motion to ensure balanced dressing coverage.
- Gently toss the salad using two large serving spoons, being careful not to bruise the pears or crush the greens.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Pears: Select pears that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. This ensures the perfect texture and sweetness.
- Prevent Pear Browning: Toss pear slices in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation.
- Maximize Cashew Crunch: Toast the cashews lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness.
- Dress Smartly: Add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it right before serving to maintain the optimal texture and temperature.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 222kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 6mg
