Looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that will elevate your meal in just 10 minutes? The Spinach Cranberry and Pear Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing! With the perfect balance of sweet pears, tart cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, this salad is a must-try for anyone craving a healthy yet indulgent dish. Whether you're preparing a quick lunch or impressing guests at a dinner party, this salad is sure to be the star of the show. Dive in and discover how easy it is to whip up this deliciously satisfying salad!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe pear, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Dice the ripe pear into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the fresh spinach leaves as a base, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle the diced pears evenly across the spinach leaves.
- Distribute the dried cranberries over the salad, ensuring they are well-scattered.
- Crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad, creating small, delicate cheese fragments.
- Add the toasted pecans, distributing them uniformly across the salad.
- Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring an even coating.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, being careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and flavors.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh spinach and ripe pears. The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in the final dish.
- Toast the Pecans: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! This step enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
- Customize Your Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with goat cheese or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: If you're preparing this salad for a gathering, you can wash and dry the spinach, toast the pecans, and chop the pears in advance. Just assemble everything and add the vinaigrette right before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad. This will not only boost the protein content but also make it more filling.
- Experiment with Dressings: While raspberry vinaigrette is a fantastic choice, feel free to try other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing to switch things up.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain the crispness of the spinach and the overall freshness of the salad, serve it immediately after tossing with the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
