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Winter Pear, Pomegranate & Swiss Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4 from 40 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A fresh and vibrant Winter Salad combining crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy pomegranate seeds, and sweet pears with creamy Swiss cheese and crunchy toasted pecans. This salad is beautifully dressed in a homemade poppy seed dressing made with a blend of apple cider vinegar, mustard, and grated onion. Perfect for holiday tables, special occasions, or as a delightful seasonal side dish celebrating the best winter fruits.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated onion
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Salad

  • 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
  • 1 pomegranate
  • 1 pear (Bartlett or D’Anjou)
  • ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup grated Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, dry mustard, table salt, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the mixture from heat.
  2. Incorporate Oil and Flavors: Slowly pour the vegetable oil into the warm cider mixture while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing. Add the grated onion and poppy seeds, then whisk thoroughly to combine. Transfer the dressing to a large jar or divide into smaller jars and refrigerate until chilled. Shake well before serving.
  3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Slice the pear thinly. Remove the seeds from the pomegranate. Coarsely chop the Romaine lettuce and toasted pecans. Grate the Swiss cheese.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, pomegranate seeds, pear slices, toasted pecans, and grated Swiss cheese. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly, or plate each salad individually for serving.
  5. Serve: Drizzle the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side.

Notes

  • Use Bartlett or D’Anjou pears for best flavor and texture in the salad.
  • To toast pecans, lightly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • Grated onion adds subtle sharpness to the dressing; for a milder flavor, you can reduce the quantity or use sweet onion.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance; keep the ingredients and dressing separate until serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/winter-pear-pomegranate-and-swiss-salad-with-poppy-seed-dressing-recipe/