Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• cup cider vinegar
• cup fresh cranberries
• cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 2 heads romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• 2 medium heads Belgian endive - washed, dried and chopped
• 2 red Anjou pears
• cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Step 1: Combine cider vinegar and cranberries in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries soften, about 5 minutes. Once softened, remove from heat.

Step 2: Add olive oil, white sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the cranberry mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Pour the cranberry mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 4: While the dressing chills, core and julienne one of the Anjou pears. Core and dice the other pear. Set both aside.

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, chopped Belgian endive, diced pear, toasted walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.

Step 6: Drizzle the chilled cranberry dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 7: Divide the salad among individual plates and garnish with the julienned pear. Optionally, top with additional toasted walnuts for extra crunch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 214
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 16g
• Protein: 6g

Nutrition Breakdown

Nutrition Value	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Total Fat	15g	19%
Saturated Fat	3g	17%
Cholesterol	11mg	4%
Sodium	172mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	16g	6%
Dietary Fiber	8g	28%
Total Sugars	7g	-
Protein	6g	12%
Vitamin C	31mg	34%
Calcium	164mg	13%
Iron	2mg	13%
Potassium	707mg	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

A fresh cranberry salad dressing drizzled over greens, pears, walnuts, and gorgonzola makes a beautiful seasonal salad perfect for Thanksgiving.

Origin and History

This Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette draws inspiration from traditional American harvest dishes, particularly those served during the fall and Thanksgiving seasons. The combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients like pears, walnuts, and cranberries highlights the flavors of autumn. Cranberries, native to North America, have been used for centuries in indigenous culinary practices. Their vibrant color and tartness make them a perfect match for savory dishes, and they have long been a symbol of the fall harvest.

Regional Characteristics

The salads regional appeal is particularly strong in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, where cranberries are grown abundantly. These areas are famous for their fall harvest celebrations, and cranberry-based dishes are a staple on holiday tables. While the salad's core ingredients are typical of American cuisine, the use of pears and gorgonzola cheese adds a sophisticated touch that elevates it beyond a simple side salad, making it ideal for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

This Fall Salad stands out because of the unique cranberry vinaigrette, which blends sweet and tart flavors to complement the richness of gorgonzola cheese. While many salads feature vinaigrettes, the cranberry vinaigrette gives this dish an extra seasonal punch. Additionally, the inclusion of pears and walnuts, combined with a mix of greens such as romaine lettuce and Belgian endive, creates a balance of textures and flavors not always found in more traditional autumn salads.

Where It's Usually Served

The Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is commonly served at Thanksgiving and other autumn celebrations in the U.S. Its bright colors and fresh ingredients make it a popular choice for holiday buffets and family gatherings. It pairs particularly well with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, as well as hearty soups and stews. Additionally, this salad is often seen at festive brunches or lunch gatherings due to its light yet satisfying nature.

Interesting Facts

• The cranberry is one of only three fruits native to North America, alongside the blueberry and the Concord grape.
• Gorgonzola cheese, an Italian blue cheese, adds a creamy and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pears and the tartness of the cranberries.
• Walnuts, often associated with autumn dishes, are high in healthy fats and protein, making them a nutritious addition to the salad.
• The combination of fruit and cheese in salads dates back to European culinary traditions, but this American version gives it a modern twist with the cranberry vinaigrette.
• Rice vinegar, often preferred over cider vinegar, can be used to mellow the sharpness of the dressing, as suggested by many home cooks in reviews of the recipe.

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