Mixed Greens Blended with Pear and Spinach

Mixed Greens Blended with Pear and Spinach

Spinning Up a Delightful Pear and Spinach Salad

Craving something refreshing and flavorful to round off your meal? Look no further than this sensational pear and spinach salad. It's a delicious addition to roasted pork or a hearty soup, and it's easy peasy!

We've got the inside scoop on making this salad outstanding, with a few tweaks and suggestions to take it to the next level.

• Yield: 4 to 6 portions, depending on appetite
• Difficulty: As simple as pie (or salad, in this case)
• Prep Time: A mere 25 minutes (including active time of 15 minutes)

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1. Slice up 1/4 of a red onion
2. Measure out 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
3. Pour in 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
4. Add 2 tablespoons of water
5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of olive oil
6. Spoon out 1 tablespoon of honey
7. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8. Collect 5 cups of baby spinach (around 5 ounces)
9. Quarter and thinly slice 1 medium Bosc pear

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Pop the onion into a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes (no need to keep your own company, it's just chilling)
2. Combine the mustard, vinegar, water, oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium non-reactive bowl and mix until delightfully combined
3. Extract the onion from the ice water, pat it dry, and place it in a large non-reactive bowl (you guessed it, it's the star of the show)
4. Dump in the spinach, pear, and 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Toss it all around until coated (don't worry about making a mess, it's all part of the fun!)
5. Taste the salad to see if it needs more seasoning, and add more dressing as necessary. Remember, it's your salad, so adjust it to your taste!

Get Creative with Your Spinach and Pear Salad

Pairing pears with spinach is a versatile base for many salad variations. Here are a few creative ideas to spice things up:

1. Go Nuts!: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for textural happiness. Toast the nuts in the oven or on the stovetop to bring out their nutty goodness.
2. Crunch Time: Consider adding crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese for a tangy and delectable twist. Incorporate crispy elements like croutons for an added crunch.
3. Fruit Fiesta: Alongside pears, try adding dried cranberries or cherries for an extra burst of flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle in some fresh herbs, like mint or basil, for a refreshing kick.
4. Protein Punch: Top the salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or a crispy pork tenderloin for a substantial meal.

Dressing Galore

The dressing can be easily adjusted to cater to your personal taste preferences. Here are some lip-smacking ideas:

1. Honey-Mustard Dressing: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil for a delightful balance of sweet and tangy. Adjust sweetness and acidity as needed.
2. Balsamic Vinaigrette: Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey for a perfectly balanced dressing. Add a dash of Dijon mustard for added depth.
3. Brown Butter Vinaigrette: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. Mix with olive oil, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for an unforgettable vinaigrette.
4. Lighter Options: For a lighter dressing, combine champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice (don't forget to skip the oil) or try adding some herbs like tarragon or chives for additional flavors.

Salad Tips

• All About Balance: Ensure the salad has a harmonious mix of sweet (pears), tangy (cheese or dressing), crunchy (nuts), and fresh (herbs) elements.
• Tailor to Your Taste: Personalize the salad by adding protein sources or swapping ingredients to accommodate dietary needs.
• Get Crazy with Nuts and Seeds: Pecans, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds can bring various textures and flavors to your salad. Enjoy experimenting!

1. This pear and spinach salad recipe, nestled under the uncategorized section, boasts a strong nutritional profile thanks to the spinach and pear ingredients.
2. For a truly exceptional salad, consider tossing in toasted almonds or walnuts, as suggested in the creative variations section, to make it even stronger in texture and taste.
3. When crafting the dressing, remember to give the honey-mustard or balsamic vinaigrette a taste and adjust it to your preference, following the recipe guidelines but paying credit to your personal taste.
4. As you prepare this pear and spinach salad, keep in mind the importance of balance, ensuring it incorporates a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and fresh elements for maximum satisfaction.

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