Apple Pear Summer Salad
This Apple Pear Summer Salad is a masterclass in texture and balanced flavors. By combining the sweetness of Honey Crisp apples and juicy pears with the salty tang of crumbled feta and a quartet of crunchy nuts and seeds, we create a nutrient-dense bowl that is both satisfying and refreshing. The finely chopped mixed greens act as the perfect canvas for the zesty basil balsamic vinaigrette, making this an ideal light lunch or a vibrant side dish for your next outdoor gathering.
Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl
- Chef’s knife + cutting board
- Salad Tongs
- Mandoline (for paper-thin pear slices)
Ingredients
The Base
- 4 cups Mixed Greens chopped fine
- 2 Roma Tomatoes diced
The Fruit & Crunch
- ½ Pear thinly sliced
- ½ Honey Crisp Apple diced
- ⅛ cup Cranberries dried
- ½ cup Croutons (see homemade Italian Herb Croutons recipe)
The Nut & Seed Blend
- ⅛ cup Almonds sliced
- ⅛ cup Pecans chopped
- ⅛ cup Pumpkin Seeds
- ⅛ cup Sunflower Seeds
The Finish
- 2 oz Feta Cheese crumbled
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Balsamic Vinaigrette (see our Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe)
Instructions
Chop and Prep the Base
- Finely chop the mixed greens and dice the Roma tomatoes, placing them into a large chilled bowl. Starting with finely chopped greens ensures that every forkful captures a bit of every ingredient, while the tomatoes provide a juicy foundation for the dressing to adhere to.
Prepare the Harvest Fruit
- Slice the pear thinly and dice the Honey Crisp apple just before assembly to maintain their crisp texture and prevent browning. Toss the fruit gently with the greens so the natural juices begin to mingle with the base, providing a subtle sweetness throughout the salad.
Layer the Texture
- Incorporate the sliced almonds, chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries into the mix. This specific combination of nuts and seeds provides a complex “crunch” profile that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit and chewy cranberries.
Dress and Garnish
- Drizzle the basil balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly until the greens are lightly coated and glossy. Finish by folding in the crumbled feta cheese and Italian herb croutons, adding a final pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the savory herbal notes.
Nutrition
Serving: 2.5cupsCalories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 402mgPotassium: 594mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1593IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 3mgNet Carbohydrates: 24g
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