Oh, I just love a good, fresh salad, don’t you? Especially when the weather starts warming up, or even just when I need a little pick-me-up during the day. This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is one of my absolute favorites. It’s got this wonderful mix of sweet pear, a little bit of earthy spinach, and then that bright, tangy dressing that just ties it all together perfectly. It’s honestly one of the easiest and most satisfying light lunches I’ve made in ages!
Why You'll Love This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Seriously, there are so many reasons why this salad has become a go-to in my kitchen. It just hits all the right notes! It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, but it’s also just downright delicious.
- Super Speedy Prep: You won’t believe how fast this comes together. Perfect for those days when you need something healthy *now*.
- Packed with Goodness: It’s loaded with fresh spinach and sweet pears, making it a really nutritious choice.
- Flavor Explosion: That maple-lemon mustard dressing? It’s a game-changer! It has that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just a little bit savory.
- So Versatile: This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is great on its own or as a side dish. You can even jazz it up a bit!
Quick and Easy Preparation
Honestly, this salad is almost embarrassingly easy to make. With just about 10 minutes of prep and no cooking involved, you can have a beautiful, healthy Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing on your table in no time. It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights!
Wholesome Ingredients
You can feel great about digging into this salad! Fresh spinach is such a powerhouse of nutrients, and pears add a lovely natural sweetness and fiber. It’s a simple combination that’s both nourishing and satisfying. For more on the benefits of spinach, check out this guide to spinach.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
Oh, the flavors! The sweetness from the ripe pear really sings against the slightly peppery spinach. Then, that maple-lemon mustard dressing comes in with its tangy kick and hint of sweetness. It’s just a beautiful dance of flavors in every single bite of this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing. It’s all about fresh, simple ingredients that just work beautifully together. You’ll want to grab:
- 3 cups of fresh spinach – make sure it’s nice and crisp!
- 1 ripe pear, cored and thinly sliced. I like to use a Bosc or Anjou pear, but really, whatever looks good at the store works.
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped. Toasting them really brings out their flavor, trust me!
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese. It adds just the right salty tang.
And for that dreamy dressing:
- 2 tablespoons of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice – always fresh, it makes such a difference!
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup.
- A little bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Making this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is a breeze, and honestly, it’s kind of fun to put together. You’ll have a gorgeous, healthy salad ready in no time. Here’s how I do it:
Preparing the Salad Base
First things first, grab your biggest salad bowl. Toss in the fresh spinach, then arrange those lovely thinly sliced pear pieces right on top. Sprinkle over the roughly chopped toasted walnuts and the crumbled feta cheese. It already looks pretty, right?
Crafting the Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Now, for that magical dressing! Grab a small bowl – maybe one you really like using. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup. Whisk it all together really well until it’s nicely combined and looks a bit emulsified. Give it a little taste and add salt and pepper until it’s perfect for you. I usually go pretty light on the salt here since the feta is salty.
Assembling and Serving Your Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
This is the best part! Drizzle that delicious dressing all over your salad ingredients in the big bowl. Then, using a couple of salad servers or even just your hands (if you’re feeling brave!), gently toss everything together. You want to coat all those lovely ingredients without bruising the spinach or breaking up the pear too much. Serve it up right away so everything stays crisp and fresh!
Tips for the Perfect Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
You know, even with simple recipes like this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing, a few little tricks can make all the difference. It’s all about those small details that elevate it from good to *wow*!
Walnut Preparation and Substitutions
Toasting walnuts is a must, seriously! Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they smell amazing and look a little golden. Keep an eye on them, they can burn fast! If walnuts aren’t your jam, toasted pecans or almonds work beautifully too. They give a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
Customizing Your Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
The beauty of this dressing is how easy it is to tweak. Want it a little sweeter? Just add another tiny drizzle of maple syrup. Prefer it more zesty? A splash more lemon juice will do the trick. It’s all about making that Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing taste just right for *you*.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is so versatile! It’s absolutely perfect as a light and refreshing lunch on its own, especially when you just want something healthy and quick. It also makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish. Or, if you’re having friends over, it’s a lovely, elegant starter for a dinner party that won’t weigh anyone down. For other light lunch ideas, check out this refreshing avocado tuna salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing leftover (which is rare in my house!), the best way to store it is to separate the dressing from the salad ingredients. Pop the dressed salad into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. For the dressing itself, store it in a small jar or container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, give the dressing a quick whisk and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep everything nice and crisp!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Got questions about this delicious Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing? I’ve got you covered! It’s one of those versatile dishes that sparks a lot of curiosity.
Can I prepare this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing in advance?
You can totally get a head start! The dressing can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. It’s best to toss the salad ingredients together and add the dressing right before you plan to serve it, though. That way, your spinach stays nice and crisp, and your pear doesn’t get mushy.
What are good substitutions for pears in this salad?
Pears are lovely, but feel free to experiment! Crisp apples, like a Honeycrisp or Fuji, work wonderfully and give a similar crunch. For a little chewiness and a different kind of sweetness, dried cranberries are also a fantastic addition to this healthy salad. You might also enjoy this honey roasted carrots recipe.
How can I make this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing a main course?
Oh, absolutely! This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is super easy to turn into a full meal. Just toss in some grilled chicken breast, a handful of seasoned chickpeas, or some cooked shrimp. It adds protein and makes it even more satisfying!
Nutritional Information Estimate for Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Just a little note that these numbers are estimates, as nutrition can really vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use! But generally, this lovely Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing comes in around 250 calories per serving, with about 18g of fat, 5g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a really balanced and satisfying option!
Print
Pear Spinach Salad: 10-Min Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and healthy salad featuring crisp pears, nutritious spinach, and a tangy maple-lemon mustard dressing.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe pear, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts.
- For a sweeter dressing, add a little more maple syrup.
- For a tangier dressing, add a little more lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pear spinach salad, maple lemon dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, quick salad