Warm Autumn Salad with Pears, Walnuts & Maple Vinaigrette
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Warm Autumn Salad, featuring juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet maple vinaigrette. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, this vibrant dish elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that capture the essence of autumn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula and spinach)
- 2 ripe pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou), sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Slice pears into wedges.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and red wine vinegar until well combined.
- In the same skillet used for walnuts, add olive oil and warm the mixed greens and pear slices for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine warmed greens and pears with toasted walnuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added creaminess, consider crumbling goat cheese on top. Swap walnuts for pecans or add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. To store leftovers, keep salad components separate to maintain freshness.