Layered Salad with Pear, Cranberry, Feta and Walnuts Recipe

"This is just a pretty and easy salad to make. Great to serve at a party in a glass bowl so you can see the layers and colors; but also a great family salad as well. It is easy to make and quick to put together. If you can, use a mix of 2-3 pears; and for the cheese, you can substitute Feta for Goat cheese if you want. The cranberry vinaigrette is really good with this salad; and brings all the flavors together. Also, try adding leftover chicken or turkey as one layer, and make this a "main dinner salad.""

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Vinaigrette ... Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or tupperware container is what I love. Just shake and refrigerate. But mix well and set to the side. Better if made a couple of hours in advance.

Step 2

Pears ... After dicing the pears, squeeze the lemon juice over them so they don't brown.

Step 3

Salad Layers ... Layer 1: romaine, Layer 2: 1/2 of the pears and apricots, Layer 3: a couple of tablespoons of the dressing, Layer 4: cheese: Layer 5: half of the walnuts, Layer 6: spinach, Layer 7, the remaining pears and apricots, Layer 8: another couple spoons of dressing, Layer 9: the remaining cheese, Layer 10: the remaining walnuts.

Step 4

Serve ... The remaining dressing can be served on the side for anyone who wants a bit more. For Christmas, I make these in small individual bowls or glasses. Pretty presentation and easy to prepare.

Step 5

The secret to this is to pick the right size bowl so you can see the layers; but also so the bowl isn't so big you can't really see the layers. ENJOY!