Pear Salad Recipe

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

1. 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.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. 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

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.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

• - Large salad bowl
• - Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• - Cutting board
• - Knife

Method

 

1. **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.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Transfer to serving plates and enjoy.