🍏🍐 Pear, Apple & Cranberry Christmas Salad with Feta Snowflakes
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Total: 15 minutes
🍽 Servings
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Serves 4–6
🧾 Ingredients
For the salad:
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2 medium pears (e.g., Bartlett or Bosc), cored and sliced
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2 medium apples (e.g., Gala or Fuji), cored and sliced
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1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries for a sweeter taste)
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½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)
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3 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a baby greens mix)
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½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
For the feta snowflakes:
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⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (or cubed for more texture)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
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Pinch of salt and pepper
For the dressing:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the salad
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In a large bowl, add the mixed greens.
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Layer the pear and apple slices on top.
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Sprinkle with fresh cranberries and toasted nuts (if using).
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Add the thinly sliced red onion (if desired).
2. Make the feta snowflakes
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Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
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Add the crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Gently fry the feta for about 1–2 minutes until it crisps up slightly and forms a “snowflake” texture.
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Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
3. Make the dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the salad
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
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Gently toss everything together.
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Top with the crispy feta “snowflakes.”
5. Serve
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Serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant side salad for your holiday meal!
🌟 Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside roasted meats, such as turkey or ham.
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Pair with a warm, crusty bread.
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Can be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own.
❓ Q & A (Common Questions)
Q: Can I use different fruits for the salad?
A: Yes! You can replace the pears and apples with other fruits like grapes, pomegranate seeds, or oranges for different flavors and textures.
Q: Can I use feta cheese from the store, or do I need to crumble it myself?
A: You can use pre-crumbled feta, but fresh feta (crumbled yourself) gives a more authentic texture and taste, especially when fried into the “snowflakes.”
Q: How do I toast nuts?
A: Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. You can also toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, watching closely.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh. You can prep the fruit, nuts, and dressing ahead of time, but add the dressing and feta just before serving.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes! Skip the feta and use a plant-based cheese or simply add more nuts or seeds for a creamy texture.
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Dried cranberries will add sweetness and texture to the salad. If using dried cranberries, you can soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes to rehydrate them slightly.