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candied pecan and cranberry pear salad on a plate, in a bowl, with a pear on the side

Candied Pecan and Cranberry Pear Salad

Braghan
This Candied Pecan and Cranberry Pear Salad is filled with tart cranberries, crisp pears, sugar candied pecans, and topped with a sweet honey vinaigrette. Delicious and beautiful for Christmas, Thanksgiving, holiday meals, or weeknight dinners!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 364 kcal

Ingredients
  

Candied Pecans

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup pecans whole or halves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Honey Vinaigrette Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

Salad

  • 10 ounces spring mix
  • 2 pears chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese or Feta cheese
  • 1 cup candied pecans

Instructions
 

Candied Pecans

  • In a small skillet, melt butter and sugar together over medium heat and continue to stir until sugar melts- around 2 minutes. Add pecans and keep stirring for 1-2 more minutes until sauce begins to caramelize. Remove from pan and transfer pecans to a baking pan lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow to cool.

Honey Vinaigrette Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, onion, poppy seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Set aside.

Salad

  • Add the spring mix to a large bowl. Top with pears, cranberries, cheese, and candied pecans. Toss salad with dressing when ready to serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips and Tricks
* Make salad and dressing ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator. Toss salad with dressing when ready to serve. (Candied pecans will start to soften in the refrigerator so those can be stored at room temperature if needed.)
* Candied pecans are optional. Any variety of nuts could be used like almonds or walnuts.
* Use Gorgonzola cheese for a strong flavor or Feta cheese for a mild flavor.
--Nutritional values and cook times vary due to cookware and product brand selection.

Nutrition

Serving: 8gCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSodium: 141mgSugar: 25g
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