Maple-Dijon Spring Salad with Pears and Blue Cheese
This vibrant Maple-Dijon Spring Salad is a delightful symphony of flavors combining crisp pears, earthy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, all nestled in a bed of fresh spring greens. The addition of dried cherries introduces a touch of sweetness, while the homemade maple and mustard dressing enhances the dish with its sweet and tangy notes. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish for dinner, this salad celebrates the flavors of spring and offers endless variations to suit your palate. Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a nutritious addition to your everyday meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed spring greens
12 ounces (washed and dried)
Crisp pears
3 (cored and thinly sliced)
Red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
Toasted walnuts
1/2 cup (toasted)
Crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup
Dried cherries
1/4 cup
Pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons
Olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the salad ingredients: wash and dry the mixed spring greens and place them in a large serving bowl.
2
Core and thinly slice the crisp pears. Thinly slice the red onion, and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
3
Add the sliced pears, red onion, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cherries to the bowl with the greens. Toss gently to combine.
4
For the dressing, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
5
Before dressing the salad, reserve a handful of the sliced pears, walnuts, blue cheese, and cherries for garnish.
6
Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure the greens are lightly coated without being overdressed. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
7
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates, and garnish with the reserved pears, walnuts, blue cheese, and cherries.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maple-Dijon Spring Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining mixed spring greens, crisp pears, earthy toasted walnuts, tangy blue cheese, and dried cherries, topped with a homemade maple-mustard dressing.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of mixed spring greens, washed and dried.
What kind of pears should I use?
The recipe suggests using three crisp pears that are cored and thinly sliced.
How do I prepare the walnuts?
Toast 1/2 cup of walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad consists of greens, fruit, nuts, cheese, and a plant-based dressing, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the blue cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What can I use if I don't have dried cherries?
Dried cranberries or raisins would make excellent substitutes for the dried cherries in this recipe.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the dressing components and seasonings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, if you find blue cheese too strong, you can use feta or goat cheese for a milder tangy flavor.
How do I prevent the pears from browning?
Slicing the pears just before serving or tossing them in a little bit of the acidic dressing immediately can help prevent browning.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a 1:1 substitute for pure maple syrup in the dressing.
What is the best way to slice the red onion?
The recipe recommends slicing the red onion thinly to ensure its flavor doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
Should I dress the whole salad at once?
The instructions suggest drizzling half the dressing first and adding more as desired to avoid over-dressing the greens.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for the dressing.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas would be great additions to make this a more filling meal.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on your Dijon mustard and blue cheese to be certain.
What is the purpose of garnishing at the end?
Reserving a handful of pears, nuts, and cheese for garnish ensures the salad looks beautiful and those key ingredients are visible on top.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use a different nut?
Yes, pecans or sliced almonds would work perfectly as a substitute for walnuts.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is a balance of sweet notes from the maple syrup and tangy notes from the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The provided data does not specify a serving size, but it is suitable as a light lunch or a side dish for several people.
How much Dijon mustard is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing 'to taste'.
Can I use frozen fruit?
It is not recommended for this specific salad as crisp, fresh pears provide the necessary texture.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to wash and dry the mixed spring greens and place them in a large serving bowl.
How many pears are used?
The recipe calls for 3 crisp pears.
Is the red onion cooked?
No, the red onion is used raw and thinly sliced for a fresh, sharp bite.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spring greens, maple syrup, dijon mustard, blue cheese, pear, walnuts, dried cherries, and healthy recipe.