This Pear Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, juicy pears, crisp greens, and tangy vinaigrette, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Paired with crunchy nuts and creamy cheese, it’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet that makes it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or an elegant addition to your holiday table. The natural sweetness of pears shines in this simple yet sophisticated salad, making it a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup candied pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Use ripe but firm pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc for the best flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the pears in advance, but toss the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Add Protein: Turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feta or shaved Parmesan are great alternatives to blue cheese.
What if I don’t have candied nuts?
Plain roasted nuts or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) work well as a substitute.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
What greens work best for this salad?
Peppery arugula, tender spinach, or a mix of spring greens pair beautifully with the sweetness of the pears.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep dressing separate and add just before serving.
- Dressing: Refrigerate any leftover dressing in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
Substitutions & Variations
- Fruit Swap: Use apples, peaches, or figs in place of pears.
- Nut-Free: Use roasted chickpeas or crunchy granola for a nut-free option.
- Creamy Dressing: Swap the vinaigrette for a creamy poppy seed dressing for a different flavor profile.
Pear Salad Recipe
Equipment
- - Large salad bowl
- - Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- - Cutting board
- - Knife
Ingredients
- #### For the Salad:
- - 4 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, or spring mix
- - 2 ripe pears thinly sliced
- - 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- - 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- - 1/4 cup dried cranberries optional
- #### For the Dressing:
- - 3 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- - 1 tsp honey
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- **Assemble the Salad:** In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
- **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- **Serve Immediately:** Transfer to serving plates and enjoy.
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