This Pear Salad is a showstopper that balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in every bite. Imagine juicy pears nestled in crisp mixed greens, dotted with tangy blue cheese or creamy goat cheese, with a sprinkle of candied pecans and tart dried cranberries. Finished with a silky homemade vinaigrette, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every forkful. Whether it’s your main event for a light lunch or a standout on your holiday table, Pear Salad is a celebration of fresh flavor and color that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pear Salad recipe is chosen with intention—the pears provide the starring sweetness, the greens lend freshness, and toppings like cheese and pecans create satisfying contrasts. Together, they turn a simple salad into something you’ll crave again and again.
- Ripe pears: Choose Bosc or Anjou pears for perfect firmness and lush sweetness; slice just before assembling to keep them fresh.
- Mixed salad greens: A combination of arugula, spinach, and spring mix brings a blend of textures, colors, and flavors that make the salad lively and light.
- Crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese: Adds creaminess and a tangy, savory bite that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Candied or toasted pecans: Offer irresistible crunch and buttery flavor; candied nuts add a little extra sweetness if you like.
- Dried cranberries: Tiny bursts of sweet-tart flavor add color and keep every mouthful interesting.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness and sweet notes.
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing for a silky, heart-healthy finish.
- Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Delivers the bright, acidic lift your Pear Salad dressing needs.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a teaspoon smooths out the dressing and accents the pears’ sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette a gentle kick, unifying all the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing the whole salad together.
How to Make Pear Salad
Step 1: Prep the Pears and Greens
Start by washing and drying your pears and salad greens thoroughly. Slice the pears just before you need them to keep them from browning, and arrange the greens in a large mixing bowl to ensure even coverage of the toppings later—getting this base right means every bite will be bright and fresh.
Step 2: Layer in Flavor
Add the sliced pears to the bed of greens, then scatter the crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese, candied or toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion on top. Think about some visual contrast here; try to layer the colorful ingredients so every forkful is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 3: Shake Up the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar of choice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until the dressing looks creamy and unified—this little step makes your Pear Salad feel restaurant-worthy with barely any effort.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing generously over your composed salad. Use tongs or clean hands (the best tools sometimes!) to toss gently, making sure every ingredient gets a light coat, but don’t over-mix; you want to keep those pretty ribbons and layers intact.
How to Serve Pear Salad
Garnishes
Your Pear Salad is already gorgeous, but an extra sprinkle of cheese, a handful of microgreens, or a few more toasted pecans just before serving adds wow-factor aesthetics and extra pops of flavor. You can even finish with a tiny drizzle of honey for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a bowl of creamy soup for lunch, crusty bread for a simple dinner, or alongside roasted chicken, pork, or salmon for a sophisticated meal. Its versatility makes it a star at both weeknight meals and holiday feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try serving Pear Salad in individual glasses for a fancy starter, or layer it as a salad bar where guests assemble their own. For potlucks or picnics, mason jar salads make transport and serving a breeze, keeping everything fresh and pretty until you’re ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pear Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep in mind that the greens may wilt slightly, but all the flavors will still pop.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as fresh pears and greens lose their texture once thawed. The candied pecans, cheese, and dried cranberries are freezer-friendly on their own, but the assembled salad is at its best fresh.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating. If you want to freshen it up after chilling, just add a handful of fresh greens and a quick splash of dressing before serving.
FAQs
What pears work best for Pear Salad?
Bosc and Anjou pears are favorites because they stay firm and juicy, but any variety that’s ripe but not mushy will shine in this salad.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing is perfect for making in advance; just keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.
How can I add protein to Pear Salad?
For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even sliced turkey breast—these all play nicely with the sweet and savory flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you check your ingredients (especially if you use any packaged nuts or cheese), making it safe for most guests.
Can I swap out any of the toppings?
Of course! Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, feta instead of blue cheese, or golden raisins instead of cranberries to make the Pear Salad your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a salad that really wows, this Pear Salad is it—bursting with texture, flavor, and color, every bite feels special. Whether you’re treating yourself at lunch or bringing it to a celebration, trust me: this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it steal the show at your next meal!
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Pear Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Pear Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring ripe pears, mixed greens, blue cheese, pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a refreshing and satisfying salad option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ripe Pears:
2 pears, sliced;
Mixed Salad Greens:
4 cups (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix);
Blue Cheese or Goat Cheese:
¼ cup, crumbled;
Candied or Toasted Pecans:
¼ cup;
Dried Cranberries:
2 tablespoons;
Red Onion:
2 tablespoons, thinly sliced;
Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, cheese, pecans, cranberries, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe pears for best texture.
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
- The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
