Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey that melds succulent beef tenderloin with the freshness of pear and cranberry in a salad. Dressed with a tangy honey mustard blend, it's a symphony of flavors that's perfect for a light lunch or an exquisite dinner starter.

tenderloin, cranberry and pear salad with honey mustard dressing recipe

Photos of Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

While the majority of the ingredients for this salad recipe are common, there are a few you might need to look for. The beef tenderloin can be found at the meat counter of most supermarkets. The mixed baby salad greens, goat cheese and pecans are typically found in the produce and dairy sections respectively. For the honey mustard dressing, you can either buy prepared honey mustard or make your own. Dried cranberries are usually located in the baking aisle.

Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad Ingredients

Beef tenderloin steaks: The star of the dish, providing hearty, protein-rich substance to the salad.

Coarse grind black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the steak, enhancing its flavor.

Mixed baby salad greens: They lend a delightful mix of textures and flavors, forming the base of the salad.

Pear: The sweetness and crunch offer a great contrast to the tender steak.

Dried cranberries: These add a sweet and tart element to the salad.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.

Pecans: They provide a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to the salad.

Goat cheese: This cheese lends a creamy, tangy element that complements the steak and fruit components.

Honey mustard: Forms the base of the dressing, balancing sweetness and tanginess.

Water: Used to thin out the honey mustard dressing.

Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness to the dressing.

White wine vinegar: Injects a bit of acidity to the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the honey mustard.

One reader, Chaddie Mcmillian says:

This tenderloin, cranberry, and pear salad with honey mustard dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender beef, sweet pear, and tangy cranberries complement each other perfectly. The honey mustard dressing ties it all together beautifully. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Chaddie Mcmillian

Techniques Required for Making Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad

How to cook the beef tenderloin: Season the beef tenderloin steaks with pepper and cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

How to make honey mustard dressing: Whisk together the prepared honey mustard, water, olive oil, white wine vinegar, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until well blended. Set aside.

How to assemble the salad: Divide the mixed baby salad greens evenly among 4 plates. Top the greens evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.

How to carve the beef tenderloin: Carve the cooked beef tenderloin into thin slices and season with salt as desired.

How to garnish the salad: Divide the steak slices evenly over the salads. Top each salad evenly with the honey mustard dressing, pecans, and goat cheese, if desired.

How To Make Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Savory, tart, sweet, & fresh, this pear salad with cranberry and tenderloin is a medley of textures & flavors. The dish is tossed in honey-mustard dressing.

Preparation: 16 minutes

Cooking: 9 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

16ozbeef tenderloin steaks,(4 pieces), cut ¾ inch thick
½tspcoarse grind black pepper
5ozmixed baby salad greens
1mediumpear,(red or green) cored, cut into wedges
¼cupdried cranberries
salt
¼cuppecans,toasted, coarsely chopped
¼cupgoat cheese,crumbled, optional

Honey Mustard Dressing:

½cupprepared honey mustard
2tbspwater
1½tspolive oil
1tspwhite wine vinegar
¼tspcoarse grind black pepper
⅛tspsalt

Instructions

Season beef steaks with pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
Place steaks in skillet; cook 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F) doneness, turning occasionally.
Meanwhile whisk Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Set aside.
Divide greens evenly among 4 plates. Top evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.
Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt as desired.
Divide steak slices evenly over salads. Top each salad evenly with dressing, pecans and goat cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 440.61kcal
Fat: 30.06g
Saturated Fat: 10.53g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.71g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.71g
Carbohydrates: 17.05g
Fiber: 4.25g
Sugar: 10.08g
Protein: 26.99g
Cholesterol: 101.56mg
Sodium: 605.43mg
Calcium: 88.37mg
Potassium: 549.90mg
Iron: 2.98mg
Vitamin A: 165.85µg
Vitamin C: 5.35mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting the Honey Mustard Dressing

When preparing the beef tenderloin steaks, ensure they are at room temperature before cooking. This allows for even cooking and a juicier steak. Also, remember to let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Plan ahead: Prepare a weekly meal plan to streamline your grocery shopping and cooking process.

Prep in advance: Wash, chop, and store your salad greens, fruits, and nuts ahead of time to save time during meal preparation.

Multi-task: While the beef is cooking, prepare the honey mustard dressing and assemble the salad ingredients to save time.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools such as sharp knives and efficient salad spinners can significantly reduce prep time.

Use leftovers: Utilize leftover cooked beef from a previous meal to save time on cooking the tenderloin steaks.

Substitute Ingredients For Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

beef tenderloin steaks - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that can be used as a substitute for beef tenderloin. It has a similar texture and can be cooked to the same level of doneness.
mixed baby salad greens - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery and slightly bitter flavor, which can add a unique twist to the salad. It also provides a good contrast to the sweetness of the pear and cranberries.
pear - Substitute with apple: Apples can provide a similar crunchy texture and sweet-tart flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients and adding a refreshing element.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries offer a similar tartness and sweetness to the salad, and their slightly different flavor can add an interesting variation to the dish.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a suitable substitute for pecans in the salad.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy and salty flavor that can provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the meat, similar to goat cheese.
prepared honey mustard - Substitute with homemade honey mustard: Making a homemade honey mustard dressing allows for customization of flavors and can result in a fresher and more vibrant dressing for the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad greens in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balance of colors and textures. Place the pear wedges and dried cranberries strategically to create a visually stunning presentation.
Artful steak slices: Arrange the tenderloin slices in an elegant and artistic manner on top of the salad greens, ensuring that each slice is placed thoughtfully to create a visually appealing composition.
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing: Use a delicate hand to drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with pecans: Sprinkle the pecans over the salad with precision, ensuring that they are evenly distributed and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Add a touch of goat cheese: Crumble the goat cheese over the salad, using just the right amount to add a creamy and tangy element to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Final touch - seasoning: Add a pinch of salt to the steak slices to enhance the flavors and ensure that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad Recipe

Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Grill or skillet: Used for cooking the tenderloin steaks to perfection.
Large nonstick skillet: Ideal for cooking the tenderloin steaks without sticking.
Small bowl: Used for whisking together the honey mustard dressing ingredients.
Salad plates: Used for serving the prepared tenderloin, cranberry, and pear salad.
Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the tenderloin steaks while cooking.
Whisk: Used for blending the honey mustard dressing ingredients together.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad

To store leftover tenderloin, cranberry and pear salad with honey mustard dressing, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Store the honey mustard dressing separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For best results, store the salad greens, pears, and cranberries separately from the beef tenderloin and dressing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
When ready to serve, slice the beef tenderloin, assemble the salad, and drizzle with the honey mustard dressing.
To freeze the beef tenderloin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the tenderloin in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving.
The honey mustard dressing can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight and whisk well before serving.
It is not recommended to freeze the assembled salad, as the salad greens and pears will become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad

To reheat leftover tenderloin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced tenderloin on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the sliced tenderloin on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval, until the meat is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery.
For the salad greens, it's best to store them separately from the dressing and toppings. When ready to serve, simply toss the greens with the desired amount of honey mustard dressing and top with the reheated tenderloin, pear wedges, dried cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.
If the honey mustard dressing has been stored separately, give it a good whisk or shake before drizzling it over the salad to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
In case the pear wedges have turned brown due to oxidation, you can quickly dip them in a mixture of water and lemon juice to restore their color and freshness before adding them to the salad.
To add a touch of warmth to the salad, you can lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darker in color.

Interesting Trivia About the Ingredients Used in This Recipe

The beef tenderloin in this recipe is a great source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. It's a lean cut of meat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Additionally, the combination of cranberries and pears provides a good dose of fiber and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being. Honey mustard dressing adds a flavorful touch while offering the benefits of honey, which has natural antibacterial properties. This salad is a delicious way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet.

Is Making Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this tenderloin, cranberry and pear salad with honey mustard dressing recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Beef tenderloin can be relatively expensive, but the combination of flavors and nutrients from the mixed baby salad greens, pears, and cranberries adds value. The honey mustard dressing can be made with basic pantry staples, contributing to the overall cost-effectiveness. Considering the nutritional benefits and the potential for leftovers, this recipe could be rated a 7/10 for taste and creativity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $40-$50, factoring in the quality of ingredients.

Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This tenderloin, cranberry, and pear salad with honey mustard dressing recipe offers a mix of healthy and indulgent ingredients. Let's break it down:

Healthy aspects:

The salad base consists of mixed baby greens, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Pears are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C
Pecans offer healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc
The homemade honey mustard dressing uses olive oil, a heart-healthy fat

Less healthy aspects:

Beef tenderloin, while protein-rich, is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol
Goat cheese and pecans, although nutritious, are calorie-dense and can add significant amounts of fat to the dish
Dried cranberries often contain added sugars

To make this salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, to reduce the saturated fat content
Reduce the amount of goat cheese and pecans, or replace them with lower-calorie alternatives like feta cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds
Choose dried cranberries with no added sugars, or replace them with fresh berries for a natural sweetness and added fiber
Increase the portion of mixed greens to make the salad more nutrient-dense and filling
Experiment with adding other colorful vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to boost the salad's vitamin and antioxidant content
Prepare the honey mustard dressing with a higher proportion of mustard to honey, or use a sugar-free honey substitute to reduce the overall sugar content

Editor's Opinion on the Flavors and Textures of This Salad

The combination of tenderloin, cranberry, and pear in this salad creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender beef pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries and pears, while the honey mustard dressing adds a tangy and savory element. The addition of pecans and goat cheese provides a satisfying crunch and creaminess. Overall, this recipe offers a well-balanced and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a light, yet satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the tenderloin, cranberry and pear salad.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Fresh asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.

Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tart: A savory tart filled with caramelized onions and melted gruyere cheese, a delightful accompaniment to the tenderloin, cranberry and pear salad.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted to a caramelized perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze, adding a sweet and tangy element to your meal.

Similar Salad Recipes to Try If You Enjoyed This One

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of roasted vegetables and protein-packed quinoa. It's a perfect meal for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: This recipe features succulent salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This recipe is a refreshing and tropical dessert that is perfect for a light and healthy treat. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut makes for a delightful and satisfying pudding.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. Toasted bread topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil is sure to impress your guests with its fresh and zesty flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and oats in a delicious apple crisp. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features premium beef tenderloin and a harmonious blend of flavors. The succulent tenderloin is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, ensuring a mouthwatering taste and tender texture. The combination of cranberries and fresh pears adds a delightful sweetness, while the addition of pecans and creamy goat cheese provides a satisfying crunch and richness. The homemade honey mustard dressing perfectly complements the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Trust in this recipe for a memorable and satisfying culinary experience.

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FAQ:

What is the best way to cook the beef tenderloin steaks for this salad?

The best way to cook the beef tenderloin steaks for this salad is to season them with pepper and then cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or even shredded Parmesan if you don't have goat cheese on hand.

How can I tell if the beef tenderloin steaks are cooked to the desired doneness?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks. For medium rare, the temperature should be 145 degrees F, and for medium, it should be 160 degrees F.

Can I prepare the honey mustard dressing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using it on the salad.

What can I use as a substitute for pecans in the salad?

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds as a substitute for the pecans in the salad.