Description
A fresh and vibrant Autumn Salad with ripe pears, tangy gorgonzola cheese, crunchy pecans, and a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette. This simple no-cook salad is perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish capturing the flavors of the season.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Salad
- 2 small ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 8 oz mixed baby greens (baby spinach, arugula, radicchio, etc.)
- 1 oz (about 20 halves) pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is well blended and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed baby greens, diced pears, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, and pecan halves. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Toss and Serve: Just before serving, pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to prevent the greens and pears from wilting or browning.
- For added texture, try substituting pecans with walnuts or toasted almonds.
- To make it vegan, omit the gorgonzola cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the honey quantity in the dressing to control sweetness as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
