Description
This Chicken Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet ripe pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mixed salad greens. Tossed in a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this light yet satisfying salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a refreshing dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Arrange the salad greens: Place the mixed salad greens evenly on a large serving platter or divide them among individual serving bowls.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute the sliced cooked chicken breasts, thinly sliced pears, crumbled feta cheese, toasted chopped walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens.
- Drizzle dressing: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad to add flavor to all components.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients and coat them with the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Apples or other crisp fruits can be substituted for pears if desired.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
