If you’re searching for the ultimate showstopper for your winter table, look no further than this vibrant nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes. Bursting with sweet pears, juicy pomegranate seeds, tangy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and pillowy feta “snowflakes,” every bite is a celebration of color and flavor. There’s something utterly magical about the combination of winter fruits and creamy cheese dancing atop a bed of hearty greens. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or cozying up for lunch, this salad delivers a refreshing, nutritious punch that’s as beautiful to behold as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines thanks to a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in taste, texture, and color. Let’s break down what you’ll need for your nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes and what makes each component special.
- Pears: Choose ripe, firm pears—like Anjou or Bosc—for natural sweetness and gorgeous color. They bring juiciness and a soft bite.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These gemstone-like seeds don’t just look stunning; they add bursts of tartness and crunch that wake up every forkful.
- Dried Cranberries: Sweet and chewy, dried cranberries balance the acidity and bring a lovely crimson jewel tone to the bowl.
- Winter Greens (Spinach, Arugula, or Kale): A hearty greens mix forms the base, offering peppery, earthy flavors that support all the toppings.
- Feta Cheese (“Snowflakes”): The creamy, salty accent. Crumbled feta scattered over the top mimics edible wintery snow.
- Toasted Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts give depth, warmth, and irresistible crunch—plus healthy fats!
- Olive Oil: A rich, fruity olive oil forms a silky backbone for the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: For a bright, zesty edge that cuts through sweetness.
- Honey: A little drizzle ties everything together with golden sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps the dressing emulsify beautifully.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to heighten all those lovely flavors.
How to Make nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
Start by making the zippy dressing: in a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk briskly until the mixture thickens slightly and looks creamy—this ensures all the flavors will hug the salad. Taste and tweak for acidity or sweetness, if you like.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Thinly slice your ripe pears, picking out any tough spots but keeping the beautiful skin for color and fiber. Dislodge pomegranate seeds, measure out those lovely dried cranberries, and toast your walnuts or pecans until fragrant. Use your favorite mix of greens: spinach for tenderness, arugula for a peppery finish, or kale for substantial bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Greens and Fruit
Grab a big salad bowl and toss in the winter greens. Top with sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, and dried cranberries, letting all those jewel tones and textures intermingle. If you’re making this for a group, the layering makes for a gorgeous visual impact.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Dress
Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the fruit and greens. Then, give your dressing another quick whisk and drizzle it evenly across everything. Toss gently with large salad servers so the fruit stays intact and every piece gets a touch of the dressing’s brightness.
Step 5: Top with Feta “Snowflakes”
Finally, the magical touch that makes this nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes sparkle. Crumble the feta cheese right over the top, letting it fall like pretty, edible snow. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
How to Serve nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes
Garnishes
Add extra glitz with a final sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint, or a twist of cracked black pepper on top. A few additional walnut halves or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving elevates the presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, herby grilled chicken, hearty soups, or a simple crusty bread. For a festive meal, serve alongside wild rice pilaf, creamy polenta, or a roasted squash dish to turn it into a true winter feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes on a large platter in sections—let guests mix their own perfect forkfuls! Or, serve it in individual glasses or jars as a fun starter. It also makes a brilliant centerpiece for a potluck, with the feta “snowflakes” added just before serving for wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. While the greens may soften, the flavors actually mingle and deepen overnight, making delicious next-day lunches.
Freezing
This salad is all about fresh crispness, so freezing isn’t recommended. The fruits and greens won’t retain their beautiful texture after thawing, though you could freeze any extra nuts or feta for other uses.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating—the nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes is served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, give it a gentle toss and let it sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to restore the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits if I can’t find pears or pomegranate?
Absolutely! Try apples, mandarins, or even persimmons for a seasonal twist. The beauty of the nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes is how customizable it is to the fruits you love or have on hand.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Substitute the feta “snowflakes” with dairy-free cheese crumbles or even lightly toasted coconut flakes for similar visual appeal and contrasting texture.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Toasted walnuts and pecans are classics for their buttery flavor, but you could use almonds, hazelnuts, or even pumpkin seeds for allergy-friendly crunch.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! Make the dressing up to five days in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before pouring over your nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
You can pre-chop the fruit and greens and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving, adding the feta and nuts last so the textures stay crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes as I am to share it! With its dazzling mix of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, it’s a dish that truly captures the essence of winter gatherings. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it promises to impress with every bite. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and make some winter magic!
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nberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear, Pomegranate & Cranberry Winter Salad with Feta Snowflakes is a delightful and festive salad that combines the sweetness of pears, tartness of pomegranate seeds, and chewiness of dried cranberries, all topped with ‘snowflake’ feta cheese. A perfect addition to your winter menu!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed winter greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (“snowflakes”)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top as “snowflakes.” Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Winter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
