If you are looking for a refreshing twist on your holiday greens, then this Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with crisp textures from the arugula and frisée, sweet juiciness from the grapes and pears, and a tangy punch of blue cheese, this salad is as vibrant as it is nourishing. It perfectly balances flavors and colors, making it a standout dish for any Thanksgiving table that wants a lighter but still festive option. This salad combines simplicity with sophistication, ensuring every bite is a delightful celebration of freshness and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to bring a burst of flavor, crunchy texture, or creamy richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing that coats every leaf perfectly.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that lifts the salad’s flavors.
- Wholegrain mustard: Brings a subtle spicy depth to the dressing.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle bite.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Baby arugula: Offers a peppery, tender green that forms the salad’s base.
- Chopped frisée: Adds a delicate bitterness and a lively texture.
- Radicchio: Gives a pop of vibrant red color and an earthy crunch.
- Red grapes, halved: Infuse juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the greens.
- Blue cheese: Introduces a creamy, tangy punch that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Asian pears, thinly sliced: Bring a crisp, subtly sweet flavor that adds freshness and crunch.
How to Make Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by creating a luscious dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated sugar until everything is beautifully emulsified. This dressing sets the foundational flavor and ensures every bite of this Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe is perfectly dressed.
Step 2: Toss the Greens
Next, add your baby arugula, chopped frisée, and thinly sliced radicchio right into the bowl with your dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the leaves in that tangy, peppery dressing that makes this salad irresistibly fresh and crisp.
Step 3: Mix in the Fruits and Cheese
Now, fold in the halved red grapes, most of the crumbled blue cheese (save a little for garnish), and the majority of your thinly sliced Asian pears (reserving some slices for topping). This step is where the sweet and savory dance begins, creating the iconic contrast that defines the Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Finish the masterpiece by topping the salad with the reserved blue cheese and pear slices. These garnishes add a gorgeous visual appeal and a final burst of flavor, inviting everyone to dig into this beautifully balanced salad.
How to Serve Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant presentation, scatter toasted walnuts or pecans on top. Their crunch and nutty flavor will add an extra layer of texture that elevates the salad even more. A light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can also enhance the sweetness of the pears and grapes without overpowering this healthy dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. Its refreshing qualities provide a lovely counterpoint to hearty, savory dishes, making it an excellent complement to your festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests visually, serve this Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe in clear glass bowls or on elegant platters, layering the ingredients so the vibrant colors peek through. You can also serve individual portions in small, chic salad cups for a modern, party-ready presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the greens crisp, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss again just before serving, though if already mixed, it should still stay fresh for up to one day.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh greens and cheese, freezing is not recommended; the texture and flavors would not retain their original quality after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating would wilt the greens and diminish the fresh ingredients’ appeal, so it’s best served as prepared.
FAQs
Can I substitute blue cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can be great alternatives that still offer creamy and tangy notes without overpowering the salad’s freshness.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
As written, this Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe includes blue cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you can omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to suit a plant-based diet.
What kind of pears work best in this recipe?
Asian pears are ideal because of their crisp texture and mild sweetness, but if you can’t find them, Bartlett or Bosc pears are good substitutes—just slice them thinly for the best texture.
Can I prepare the dressing a day ahead?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before dressing your greens to bring everything back together.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it a heartier dish, consider adding roasted nuts, quinoa, or sliced grilled chicken. These additions will provide extra protein and texture while maintaining the salad’s overall balance.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe is truly a delightful way to brighten up your holiday table. It’s not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. I promise this salad will become one of your new seasonal favorites, adding just the right touch of freshness and elegance to your Thanksgiving feast. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved tradition year after year!
Print
Healthy Thanksgiving Arugula and Frisée Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Grapes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy Thanksgiving side salad featuring a mix of bitter greens, sweet Asian pears, juicy red grapes, and creamy blue cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for adding fresh flavors and a colorful touch to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Salad
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 cups chopped frisée
- 1/2 head radicchio, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 3 ounces blue cheese
- 3 Asian pears, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until fully combined and emulsified.
- Add greens: To the mixing bowl with the dressing, add the baby arugula, chopped frisée, and thinly sliced radicchio. Toss gently to coat all the greens evenly with the dressing.
- Add fruits and cheese: Incorporate the halved red grapes, most of the blue cheese (reserving a small amount for garnish), and most of the thinly sliced Asian pears (reserving some slices for topping). Toss again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Top the salad with the remaining blue cheese and reserved pear slices for a beautiful presentation before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe Asian pears for the best sweetness and crisp texture.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and pears.
- You can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta if preferred.
- Adjust salt and sugar to taste based on your dressing preference.
- This salad pairs excellently with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for Thanksgiving.
