Holiday Pear Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

We are smack dab in the middle of the so-called “holiday season”…how’s that going for everyone? I know it can be difficult to eat healthy and stay on track during this time of year, so today I have 2 tips for you if you are heading out to a holiday party 🙂

1. Eat before you go. If you have a feeling that there might not be many healthy options, have a substantial “snack” or mini meal before heading out the door. This way, you can still nibble on a few treats or whatever strikes your fancy, but you won’t be ravenous and end up binging on a bunch of things you wouldn’t normally eat.
2. Bring something to the gathering that you know you can eat. This isn’t always appropriate (ie: a hosted event) but when it is an option, I always opt to bring a BIG green salad. I do this for a couple reasons. First, I know that I will have something healthy and green to fill up on if nothing else appeals to me or works within my “diet restrictions”.  Second, you would be amazed by how many people are STOKED to see something green and healthy at a holiday gathering! People tend to bring family favorites that are filling and decadent, but often fall short on the health spectrum. And that’s totally fine, but it’s also where your salad contribution comes in handy!

Whether you are hosting a holiday party at your home, or bringing a side dish elsewhere, this salad needs to be on the table at your next gathering!

I have been making different versions of this salad for years, but this one in particular really hits it out of the park in terms of flavor combinations. While the pear slices are the standout performer, it wouldn’t be the same without the addition of bacon, candied pecans, avocado, goat cheese, and that dressing…I could almost drink it!

There’s no doubt this salad will be a big hit (and disappear rapidly) at your next holiday gathering. Treat yourself and your fellow party-goers to something good for you and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of greens (I used Baby Romaine)
• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 pear
• 1 cup candied pecans (or 1 cup plain pecans, and 1 Tbsp coconut sugar to make your own)
• 1 avocado
• Goat cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar (regular would be fine too, it will just be dark in color)
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon strips- I prefer to use the oven at 400º for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them 1/2 way through.
2. If you don’t have candied pecans, or prefer to make your own, here’s how: Pour a cup of pecans on a small baking sheet (I used the toaster oven) and sprinkle 1 Tbsp of coconut sugar all over the nuts. Bake at 400º for about 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on those babies…I can’t even attempt to tell you how many batches I’ve burned to a crisp, and it happens fast! Allow to cool completely so the sugar can stick to the nuts. 
3. Prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients into a blender or bullet and blend until combined. 
4. Thinly slice the pear and avocado. Chop the bacon, and crumble the goat cheese.
5. Assemble the salad in a large bowl. Start with the lettuce, then add all of the toppings. Easy as that! 

You can add all of the dressing and toss, or allow your guests to dress their portions individually. I usually go for it to make things easier 🙂

I’m telling you, this salad is the absolute perfect addition to any menu! Perfect for a party, but easy (and delicious) enough to make any night of the week!

Bonus: Add chicken, and you’ve got yourself an entre salad! I ended up eating half of this giant bowl for lunch, and just added some shredded chicken to make it a delicious, filling meal.  And I already can’t wait to make another big bowl to share on Christmas!

Print

Holiday Pear Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

This salad is perfect for any holiday gathering! The flavor combinations are perfect and it comes together in a flash. Such a great way to get some healthy food in between the sweets and treats! 

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Servings: 6

Author: Maggie @ Our Fine Day

Ingredients

• 4 cups of greens I used Baby Romaine
• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 pear
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 avocado
• Goat cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon- I prefer to use the oven at 400º for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the strips 1/2 way through.

2. Prepare the pecans. Pour a cup of pecans on a small baking sheet (I used the toaster oven) and sprinkle 1 Tbsp of coconut sugar all over the nuts. Bake at 400º for about 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on those babies...I can't even try to tell you how many batches I've burned to a crisp, and it happens fast! Allow to cool completely so the sugar can stick to the nuts.
3. Prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients into a blender or bullet and blend until combined.
4. Thinly slice the pear and avocado. Chop the bacon, and crumble the goat cheese.

5. Assemble the salad in a large bowl. Start with the lettuce, then add all of the toppings. It's that easy!