Try this Fresh, crisp and full of fall flavours pear walnut cranberry salad tossed with maple mustard dressing. Perfect as a light meal or as a side dish with a main meal. It is gluten free and vegan salad.

This seasonal favourite is as gorgeous as it is delicious. It makes a perfect festive side dish and is one of the easiest salads to prepare with minimal prep time.

The best part is the tangy, sweet and spicy salad dressing made of mustard, maple syrup and a blend of seasonings. It enhances the flavour of the salad and makes it irresistibly crave worthy.

Ingredients

For Dressing: Olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper and maple syrup.
Pantry Ingredients: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts and cranberries.
Perishable Ingredients: Fresh pear and mixed salad greens. I have used bartlett pears and a mix of radicchio, lettuce and frisse.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: In a small jar, add olive oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, lemon juice and mustard.

Step 2: Seal the jar with an airtight lid and shake well until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Take the lid off the jar, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Keep the jar aside.

Step 4: In a wide bowl, spread salad greens, thinly sliced pear, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries.

Step 5: Now, drizzle prepared dressing over the salad.

Step 6: Toss gently until everything is well combined.

Enjoy this delicious pear walnut cranberry salad on its own or with a main meal.

Substitutions and Variations

Greens: You can use spinach, arugula or kale instead of mixed greens.

Nuts: You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.

Dried Fruits: Try raisins or dried apricots if you prefer something different from cranberries.

Sweetener: You can use different sweeteners, such as honey, date syrup or agave syrup, instead of maple syrup.

Storage

If you are planning to prepare this salad for meal prep or a party, prepare and store the salad dressing in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance. Store salad greens and a pear separately in the fridge. Toss salad greens with freshly sliced pear, nuts, seeds, cranberries and dressing just before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Fresh: Always dress salad just before serving to keep salad greens fresh and crisp. If you prepare salad in advance, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving.

Pear: Slice a pear just before assembling the salad to prevent it from browning.

Dressing: Dress salad just before serving to keep the greens from wilting.

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KEEP IN TOUCH

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