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–+ servings
Harvest Salad with Blue Cheese

Harvest Salad with Blue Cheese for a Festive Touch

This Harvest Salad with Blue Cheese is a vibrant and refreshing side, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups Mixed Greens a mix of arugula, spinach, or baby kale creates a vibrant base
  • 2-3 Pears ripe, thinly sliced; can substitute with any seasonal fruit
  • 1 Crisp Apple thinly sliced; opt for a tart variety like Granny Smith
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts toasted; try pecans or almonds as alternatives
  • 1/2 cup Blue Cheese crumbled; for milder taste, feta works beautifully
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice essential for a zesty flavor kick
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar adds much-needed acidity; white balsamic vinegar is a great substitute
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard helps emulsify the dressing
  • 1 tbsp Honey balances the vinaigrette beautifully; maple syrup is a vegan alternative
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper gives the dressing a spicy kick; adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil the heart of the vinaigrette; avocado oil can serve as a different option
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste; essential for enhancing all flavors

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • salad bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  2. Slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens, then thinly slice and add pears and apple.
  4. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, then add to the salad bowl with blue cheese.
  5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and vibrant presentation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

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