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This romaine lettuce salad features fresh fruit and a sweet balsamic dressing. A perfect side dish for any summer meal.
Summer is the perfect time to keep meals simple, and this romaine lettuce salad is an easy way to do just that. It’s made with fresh ingredients and tossed with a light, flavorful dressing that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or even soup. A few years ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to cranberry pear white balsamic vinegar, and it quickly became a favorite. You can usually find it at boutique oil and vinegar shops, or it’s easy to order online. That vinegar inspired this fresh and slightly sweet salad…and it’s now a staple on my summer table.
Simple Ingredients, Delicious Flavor
This salad starts with crisp, fresh romaine lettuce as the base. It’s topped with chopped ripe pear, dried cranberries, and salted oven-roasted pecans for a combination of sweet and salty flavors. Creamy goat cheese adds a bit of richness, and when the dressing is poured over everything, the cheese softens just enough to create a light, creamy texture. The simple vinaigrette is made with olive oil and cranberry pear white balsamic vinegar, which brings a slightly fruity, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together. It’s quick to assemble and makes a beautiful addition to any summer meal.
How To Make
- Prepare 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce loosely packed. Place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add pecans and Craisins.
- At this point the salad can be placed in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Not more than 2 – 3 hours.)
- When ready to serve: break apart goat cheese and add to the bowl.
- Chop the pear into small pieces. Add to bowl.
- For the dressing: the measurements above are just guidelines. Add the oil and vinegar a little at a time until you achieve your preferred taste.
- Toss everything together. Serve immediately.
Tips For Making This Romaine Salad
- The oil and vinegar ratio is not what is commonly used. I find that when I use the cranberry pear white balsamic vinegar, I can use much less olive oil.
- If you are lucky enough to have an oil & vinegar shop nearby, you will be able to find cranberry pear vinegar. It’s not available in the grocery store. I tried a couple of different brands from Amazon and my favorite is cranberry pear white balsamic from VSOP Taproom.
- If you prefer not to use olive oil and cranberry pear vinegar, any light salad dressing will work.
- Don’t add the pear until the very last minute because it will quickly turn brown.
- The salted oven roasted pecans add a very good flavor, but any kind of nuts can be used.
- If you don’t like goat cheese, feta cheese or fresh mozzarella would make good substitutions.
- To turn this salad into a main course, just add any protein, like grilled chicken or roasted chicken breast, and a loaf of this tender peasant bread.
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This romaine lettuce salad is perfect for summer meals, whether you’re serving it alongside something from the grill or enjoying it on its own for a light lunch. It comes together easily in a large bowl, and the mix of fresh leaves, sweet fruit, and creamy cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to add extra veggies or swap in a different cheese to make it your own. For another fresh and flavorful option, try my Romaine Salad Recipe with Apples and Feta. It features a homemade dressing and just the right touch of sweetness.
Romaine Cranberry Pear Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 firm pear (chopped)
- 1 – 2 oz. goat cheese
- 1/2 cup salted oven roasted pecans roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Craisins
- 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 – 3 tablespoons cranberry pear white balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste if desired
Instructions
- Prepare 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce loosely packed. Place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add pecans and Craisins.
- At this point the salad can be placed in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Not more than 2 – 3 hours.)
- When ready to serve: break apart goat cheese and add to the bowl.
- Chop the pear into small pieces. Add to bowl.
- For the dressing: the measurements above are just guidelines. Add the oil and vinegar a little at a time until you achieve your preferred taste.
- Toss everything together. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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The Cranberry Pear White Balsamic Vinegar is delicious. 😀
I love your recipes because they are so quick, easy, and family-friendly. I would like to receive them n my Inbox. I really enjoy your blog. Thank you so much.
Hi Jane…you can sign up for my emails by going to this link: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/subscribe-to-on-sutton-place/ Thank you!
A friend introduced me to this amazing balsamic vinegar – she combined it with Persian Lime Olive Oil – it is incredible! I have served it to many other friends since and they have all run out and gotten some!
The Olive Scene in 4 locations in Cleveland, Ohio area also carries Cranberry Pear White Balsamic Vinegar. They are very helpful and wonderful to work with.
This looks delicious! Now I just have to gather all the ingredients!