Autumn Harvest Mixed Greens Salad with Pears, Apples, and Toasted Pecans
Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Autumn Harvest Mixed Greens Salad! Bursting with the flavors of ripe Bosc pears, crisp red apples, and rich blue cheese, this salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the tender mixed greens. Ideal as a side dish or effortlessly transformed into a filling main course with the addition of grilled chicken, this salad is a perfect choice for gatherings and celebrations. Impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients!
6
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
mixed baby lettuces and spring greens
3 cups (torn into bite-size pieces)
romaine lettuce
1 small head (torn into bite-size pieces)
Bosc pears
2 (cut into bite-size pieces, skin on)
red apple
1 (cut into bite-size pieces, skin on)
blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
toasted pecans
1/2 cup (broken into pieces)
red wine vinaigrette dressing
to taste ((recommended: Kraft Seven Seas))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn mixed baby lettuces and romaine lettuce to create a vibrant base.
2
Leaving the skin on for added color and nutrients, chop the Bosc pears and red apple into bite-size pieces. Gently fold these fruity additions into the greens.
3
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the salad, followed by the toasted pecans for that necessary crunch.
4
Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette dressing liberally over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly moistened without overpowering their natural flavors.
5
Using salad tongs or your hands, toss the salad gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
6
Serve immediately on chilled plates for the best presentation and enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Autumn Harvest Mixed Greens Salad?
The salad features mixed baby lettuces, romaine lettuce, Bosc pears, red apples, blue cheese, toasted pecans, and red wine vinaigrette.
Is the Autumn Harvest Mixed Greens Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What type of pears should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using Bosc pears for their flavor and texture.
Should I peel the apples and pears before adding them to the salad?
No, it is recommended to leave the skin on the pears and apples for added color and nutrients.
Can I turn this side salad into a main course?
Yes, you can easily transform it into a filling main course by adding grilled chicken.
What kind of dressing is best for this salad?
A red wine vinaigrette dressing is used; Kraft Seven Seas is specifically recommended.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What types of lettuce provide the base for this salad?
The base consists of 3 cups of mixed baby lettuces/spring greens and one small head of romaine lettuce.
Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as a gourmet, visually stunning crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this salad?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad provide any protein?
Yes, each serving provides 2g of protein.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
While the recipe calls for blue cheese, you can substitute with feta or goat cheese if preferred, though it will change the flavor profile.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be toasted and broken into pieces before being added to the salad.
What is the best way to serve this salad for presentation?
Serve the salad immediately after tossing on chilled plates for the best presentation and enjoyment.
How much blue cheese is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
What technique should be used to combine the ingredients?
Use salad tongs or your hands to toss the salad gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Can I use any type of red apple?
Yes, any crisp red apple variety will work well in this recipe.
What makes this salad a seasonal 'Autumn Harvest' dish?
It features seasonal fall ingredients like pears, apples, and toasted pecans.
Is the romaine lettuce chopped or torn?
The romaine lettuce should be torn into bite-size pieces.
How many Bosc pears are needed?
You will need 2 Bosc pears for this recipe.
How much dressing should be applied?
Apply the dressing 'to taste,' ensuring all ingredients are lightly moistened without overpowering them.
What size should the fruit pieces be?
The pears and apples should be chopped into bite-size pieces.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its fresh fruit and greens components.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the blue cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How much toasted pecans are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of toasted pecan pieces.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Does the salad include fiber information?
The specific fiber count is not provided in the nutritional data, though the fruit and greens are natural sources of fiber.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are recommended for their flavor, toasted walnuts would be a suitable alternative.