If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, look no further. This Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens up your meal and your mood. The juicy pears, jewel-like pomegranate arils, crunchy glazed pecans, and creamy feta are all brought together with a luscious maple Dijon vinaigrette that’s simply irresistible. It’s fresh, elegant, and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is carefully chosen to create a lively harmony of tastes and textures. From crisp greens to sweet pears and crunchy nuts, each element adds its own magic without overwhelming the others.
- 5 ounces mixed baby greens: The fresh base that provides a tender, leafy canvas full of mild flavors and a pop of green color.
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a subtle pungency and beautiful purple hue, cut into 2-inch pieces for a perfect bite.
- 1 to 2 ripe pears (unpeeled, cored, and thinly sliced): These sweet and juicy slices bring softness and natural sweetness to the salad.
- ½ cup pomegranate arils: Gem-like seeds that burst with fruity tartness and add stunning color contrast.
- ½ cup glazed pecans (roughly chopped): Crunchy and sweet, these nuts provide texture and richness for satisfying bites.
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta: Creamy and salty, feta cheese balances the sweetness and adds depth.
- 1 recipe Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A velvety dressing combining the mellow sweetness of maple syrup with the tangy zest of Dijon mustard to tie all the flavors gracefully together.
How to Make Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Greens and Onions
Start by placing your mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or a beautiful salad platter. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions evenly over the greens. Their sharpness contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness in the salad and adds a lovely touch of color.
Step 2: Add the Pear Slices
Next up, arrange the thinly sliced pears in small groups of three or four on top of the greens and onions. This not only spreads out their juicy sweetness but also looks incredibly inviting. Leaving the peel on gives extra texture and nutrients.
Step 3: Sprinkle Pomegranate Arils, Pecans, and Feta
Now, sprinkle the bright pomegranate arils across the salad—their juicy pop is like little bursts of surprise. Follow with some roughly chopped glazed pecans for that irresistible crunch. Finally, dot the salad with crumbled feta, letting its creamy saltiness shine through.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle some of your homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad for that perfect coating of sweet and tangy flavor. Be generous, but you can always add more on the side to let everyone customize their taste.
How to Serve Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To take this salad up a notch, consider garnishing with a few extra glazed pecans for crunch or a fresh sprig of mint or thyme for an herbal hint. A few additional pomegranate arils scattered on top right before serving also add a dramatic visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a light, refreshing complement. It also shines with grilled salmon or as a bright starter in a multi-course meal. For vegetarians, try pairing it with warm quinoa or lentil dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase the colorful layers. You can also build it on a large wooden board for a rustic, shareable presentation that invites mingling and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe, store the salad and vinaigrette separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and toss with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The crisp greens and juicy fruit lose their texture once frozen, so it’s best to prepare just what you plan to eat or store leftovers as described.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. However, you can add it to a warm grain or protein dish to enjoy as a fresh contrast in temperatures and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pear?
Absolutely! Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonderfully. Just choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape and provide that perfect sweet juiciness.
Is there a substitute for pomegranate arils?
You can replace pomegranate arils with dried cranberries or fresh red grapes for a similar burst of sweetness and color if pomegranates aren’t available.
How do I make the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette combines pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper whisked together until smooth—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the feta for a vegan cheese alternative or omit it entirely. The flavors will still be wonderfully fresh and satisfying.
What type of greens work best?
Mixed baby greens provide the perfect tender texture and mild flavor. Baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix are excellent choices to complement the other ingredients without overpowering the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up whenever I want something that feels special but comes together effortlessly. Its colorful presentation and perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy make it truly memorable. I can’t wait for you to try this dazzling salad and make it a staple in your own kitchen!
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Pear Pomegranate Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Pear Pomegranate Salad featuring mixed baby greens, thinly sliced ripe pears, juicy pomegranate arils, glazed pecans, and crumbly feta cheese, all brought together with a sweet and tangy Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 ounces mixed baby greens
- ¾ cup thinly sliced red onion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 to 2 ripe pears, unpeeled, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup glazed pecans, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1 recipe Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Arrange the Greens: Place the mixed baby greens in a large, shallow bowl or on a salad platter to create the base of your salad.
- Add Red Onion and Pears: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the greens. Then, arrange the thin pear slices in small groups of 3 or 4 over the salad for even distribution and visual appeal.
- Top with Pomegranate, Pecans, and Feta: Evenly sprinkle the pomegranate arils, roughly chopped glazed pecans, and crumbled feta cheese over the arranged salad ingredients.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle some of the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side to allow guests to add more to taste.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm pears for the best texture and sweetness.
- For homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, combine maple syrup, dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Glazed pecans can be substituted with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the freshness of ingredients.
- To keep the salad crisp longer, toss the dressing separately before serving.
