Elegant Spinach and Pear Medley
This Elegant Spinach and Pear Medley is a refreshing and vibrant salad that perfectly balances the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with the sweet, juicy notes of ripe pears. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this dish is elevated with the optional addition of creamy feta cheese or crunchy nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this salad is sure to impress at your next dinner party!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 tablespoons (N/A)
red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
honey
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (N/A)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
pear
1 (cut lengthwise into 15 slices)
spinach
8 cups (torn)
red onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the water, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper until well combined.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the pear slices, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of the prepared dressing over the pears and gently toss to coat them evenly.
3
To the bowl with the pears, add the spinach leaves and the thinly sliced red onion. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad ingredients.
4
Using gentle tossing motions, combine everything together until the spinach, pears, and onions are well coated with the dressing.
5
If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or your choice of nuts for added flavor and texture before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Elegant Spinach and Pear Medley?
The main ingredients are fresh spinach, a pear, red onion, and a dressing made from water, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper.
How should I prepare the pear for this salad?
The pear should be cut lengthwise into approximately 15 thin slices.
What kind of spinach is best to use?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of fresh spinach leaves that have been torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for the tangy vinaigrette.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave and omitting any optional cheese toppings.
What optional toppings can I add for extra texture?
You can add creamy crumbled feta cheese or crunchy nuts like pecans or walnuts.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced, requiring about 1/4 cup in total.
What is the secret to flavoring the pears in this recipe?
The recipe suggests drizzling 1 tablespoon of the prepared dressing directly onto the pear slices and tossing them before adding the other ingredients.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and fresh, featuring nutrient-dense spinach and fruit.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
While Dijon mustard is specified for its sharp flavor, you could use a whole-grain mustard as a substitute.
Is the Elegant Spinach and Pear Medley a side dish or a main course?
It is perfect as a light lunch or as a sophisticated side dish for a dinner party.
How do I ensure the spinach doesn't get crushed?
Use gentle tossing motions when combining the spinach, pears, and onions with the dressing.
What flavor profile does the dressing have?
The dressing is a tangy vinaigrette with a balance of sweet honey and savory Dijon mustard.
How many pear slices should I aim for?
The recipe recommends slicing one pear into 15 lengthwise pieces.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
Yes, you could use avocado oil or another neutral oil, though olive oil provides the best flavor for this medley.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but it uses 8 cups of spinach and one whole pear, making it suitable for a group.
Is there any preparation required for the water in the dressing?
No special preparation is needed; simply whisk 2 tablespoons of water with the other dressing ingredients.
Can I use baby spinach instead of torn spinach leaves?
Yes, baby spinach is an excellent substitute and does not require tearing.
How long does it take to prepare?
It is tagged as an 'easy' recipe, involving only whisking, slicing, and tossing.
Should the dressing be made in the main bowl?
The recipe recommends whisking the dressing in a separate small bowl before adding it to the salad.
Can I add black pepper to taste?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, but you can adjust this to your preference.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of deep green spinach, pale pear slices, and purple red onions creates a visually appealing and vibrant dish.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar would be a suitable substitute, though it will slightly change the acidity profile.
Does this recipe contain any gluten?
No, all the listed ingredients (spinach, pear, onion, oil, vinegar, honey, mustard) are naturally gluten-free.
Should the pear be peeled?
The recipe does not specify peeling, and leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and color.
When should I add the feta or nuts?
These should be sprinkled over the salad as a final step just before serving.
What is the role of the water in the dressing?
Water is used to thin out the vinaigrette, ensuring it coats the large volume of spinach evenly without being too heavy.
Can I use dried onion instead of red onion?
It is not recommended, as the fresh red onion provides a specific crunch and sharp flavor essential to the medley.
Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its 'elegant' description and sophisticated flavor profile make it an ideal choice for impressive entertaining.