This salad is a little different than the standard lettuce, tomato, and cucumber salad, because it is a sweet and savory salad made with apples, pears, and walnuts. This is a recipe that would work extremely well on a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner spread. You could choose to serve this in place of a lettuce salad, right along side, or even over the top of arugula. This recipe intermingles the colors, flavors, and textures of different varieties of apples and pears. This is a beautiful and delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 pears-1 red and 1 green
- 4 apples-using 2 to 3 different varieties
- 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
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1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, zest, and red wine vinegar. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking the dressing. Set aside.
2. Core the pears and apples, and cut them into cubes. Do not peel the fruit, as the colors of the skins will add to the visual appeal of the dish. Add the cubed fruit, pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl containing the dressing. Toss well to make sure all ingredients are coated with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours before serving.
4. Serve and enjoy!
This recipe makes 6 servings.
This is an attractive and delicious salad, with all of the skin colors of the fruit, and the textural differences of the raisins and walnuts, and the added flavor of the sweet and savory vinaigrette. This dish is a feast for all of the senses. The fruit salad can be served over mixed spring greens or on its own. This apple and pear salad is versatile, tasty, and a nice addition to a Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
