Pear and Pecan Salad

Every season has it's best salads and I think this Pear and Pecan Salad is perfect for fall. Filled with pecans, crisp pear slices, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon and aged cheddar. It's not only a great mid week light meal, it would make a great appearance on your Thanksgiving table.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: North American

Keyword: cranberries, pecans, Salads, thanksgiving side dishes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 272kcal

Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

6 cups leafy greens your choice, I used a premixed bag
1/3 cup pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 pears cored and cut into thin slices
1/2 red onion peeled and thinly sliced
6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
4 oz cheddar cheese crumbled or thinly shaved

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the bacon. Drain on paper towels and crumble apart.
Crumble or thinly shave the cheddar cheese.
Core and thinly slice the pears.
In a large salad bowl, add the green salad leaves, pecans, dried cranberries, red onion, bacon, cheddar cheese and pear slices. Toss well.
Serve with salad dressing of your choice.

*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

Notes

Tips for cooking bacon - Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place bacon strips on the baking sheet and cook in a preheated 350 degree F/180 degree C oven for about 12 - 15 minutes. Zero clean up!
Dressings to use - I just used a basic Balsamic Glaze with Olive Oil. You can use whatever your prefer. Homemade or store bought. It the post I go over many options.
Make in advance - This salad can be prepared in advance and dressed just before serving. IMPORTANT, don't add the pears until just before serving as they will brown if cut too early.
Type of greens to use - I used a premixed bag bought in the supermarket. You could mix up whatever you like. Spinach, arugula, romaine, baby leaf, etc. These would all work well.

Nutrition Facts

Pear and Pecan Salad

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 272 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 7g

Cholesterol 31mg10%

Sodium 180mg8%

Potassium 189mg5%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 16g18%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 311IU6%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 222mg22%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.