Winter Pear and Walnut Salad Recipe

This week has been insane.  As many of you know, I care for my ninety-two year old mother-in-love.  She has Alzheimer's and dementia which means that she needs round-the-clock care.  Well, last Friday she fell and broke her hip.  It was devastating and we've basically been at the hospital non-stop ever since.  That means we've had A LOT of hospital food.  I finally had some time at home yesterday to get my house put together, and I was craving some salad. I went to the fridge to see what I could throw together and that is where this Winter Pear and Walnut Salad recipe was born.

Okay, I realize salads aren't necessarily recipes, but if you're anything like me, sometimes it's a struggle coming up with flavor combinations to keep them new and exciting.  That's why I love this Winter Pear and Walnut Salad recipe.  These simple pantry staples pack a whole lot of flavor which make this the perfect lunch or even a light supper.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

Winter Pear and Walnut Salad Recipe:
*Prep Time:  5 min  *Cook Time: --  *Difficulty: Easy  *Servings: 1 Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 Handfuls of Fresh Baby Spinach
• 1 Anjou Pear, thinly sliced
• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• Blue Cheese
• Walnuts
• Reduced Sugar Dried Cranberries
• Salt & Pepper
• Dressing of your choice

To begin you will need to place the baby spinach in a bowl.

Next season with salt and pepper.

People often skip this step, but for me the flavor that this adds to your greens simply makes for a better salad.

Now thinly slice your red onion.

After that, you can core and slice the pear.

I cut the cheeks of the pear away from the core and slice.

Add the sliced pear and onions to the bowl of seasoned greens.

After you have done that, you can sprinkle the blue cheese over the salad.

Sprinkle few of the dried cranberries.

And then add the walnuts.

Isn't this an absolutely stunning bowl of goodness.  This Winter Pear and Walnut Salad recipe hits all of the flavor notes on your tongue and tastes absolutely amazing. You have the spiciness from the onion, sweetness from the pear, saltiness from the blue cheese, tartness from the cranberries, and savory crunch from the walnuts.

I know you are expecting a homemade dressing for this salad, but let's be honest after the week I have had, it wasn't happening so I used this Chamagne Pear vinaigrette from Trader Joe's which, if I'm being honest, was the inspiration for this salad in the first place.

I just drizzled a little over everything and I was ready to eat!

This Winter Pear and Walnut Salad was so easy to put together and I can't even put into words how delicious it is.  It would be even better with some turkey or grilled chicken for a light dinner!  So if your life is a crazy as mine, and you are tired of eating junk from the drive-thru, give this a try TONIGHT!

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~

Winter Pear and Walnut Salad Recipe:
*Prep Time:  5 min  *Cook Time: --  *Difficulty: Easy  *Servings: 1 Salad
By:  Mandee Pogue aka The Kitchen Wife

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 Handfuls of Fresh Baby Spinach
• 1 Anjou Pear, thinly sliced
• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• Blue Cheese
• Walnuts
• Reduced Sugar Dried Cranberries
• Salt & Pepper
• Dressing of your choice

Directions:

1. Place the baby spinach into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. 
2. Add the onions, pears, blue cheese, cranberries, and walnuts to the salad. 
3. Drizzle on your favorite dressing. 
4. Serve and Enjoy!