Description
Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and crisp salad combining juicy pears, mixed greens, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), toasted pecans, and red onions with a light, tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, healthy snack, or side dish, this salad offers a vibrant texture and balanced flavors that work well year-round.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Fresh Mixed Greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine) – 4 cups
- Ripe Pears (Bartlett or Bosc) – 2, firm and thinly sliced
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (vegetal) – 1/2 cup
- Toasted Pecans – 1/3 cup
- Red Onion (thinly sliced) – 1/4 cup
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive Oil – 1/4 cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Honey or Maple Syrup – 1 tablespoon
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Poppy Seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears and Greens: Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and dry them using a salad spinner or clean towel. Core and slice the pears thinly to maintain their delicate texture.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed greens with thinly sliced red onions, toasted pecans, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Add the pear slices last to avoid bruising.
- Mix the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk well until the dressing is thoroughly emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but firm to avoid soggy pieces.
- Lightly toast pecans until fragrant to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying honey or maple syrup to your preference.
- Use high-quality olive oil to elevate the dressing’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pear salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, mixed greens, vegetarian, quick salad