Festive Harvest Salad with Blue Cheese & Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette

This Festive Harvest Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special gathering. It combines mixed greens, crisp fruit, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, all topped with a zesty and slightly spicy citrus vinaigrette. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a wonderful side dish or a light, refreshing meal. It’s quick to prepare and full of seasonal ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your festive table.

Servings:

• 4-6 servings

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, and baby kale provides a mix of textures and flavors, from peppery to mild.
• 2-3 ripe pears, thinly sliced: Pears add a sweet, juicy contrast to the sharpness of the blue cheese and the spicy vinaigrette.
• 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and additional sweetness to balance the salad.
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted: Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural richness and adds a satisfying crunch.
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: The creamy, tangy blue cheese is a perfect contrast to the sweet fruits and spicy dressing.

For the Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Provides a bright, citrusy base for the vinaigrette.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a slight sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
• 1 tbsp honey: Balances the heat and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Gives the vinaigrette a subtle kick of heat.
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the vinaigrette come together smoothly.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the vinaigrette.

Directions:

Prepare the Vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper. This creates a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
2. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well-emulsified and smooth. The olive oil helps the dressing thicken and blend together.
3. Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to suit your preference—if you like more heat, you can add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale) with the sliced pears and sliced apple. The fruit adds sweetness and freshness, complementing the greens.
2. Add the toasted walnuts for crunch and the crumbled blue cheese for a burst of creamy, tangy flavor.
3. Just before serving, drizzle the Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Serving Suggestions:

This Festive Harvest Salad is a perfect side dish for holiday meals or a light main course. It pairs well with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. For a heartier version, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash.

The combination of sweet fruit, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and the spicy, citrusy vinaigrette creates a balanced, vibrant salad that will impress your guests. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and delightful textures of this festive dish!