Pear Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pear Salad is a deliciously simple way to enjoy fresh pears in a savory context. The juicy sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with tangy blue cheese or goat cheese, while the toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch. The addition of mixed greens or arugula provides a fresh, peppery bite, making each forkful exciting and full of flavor. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch, a side salad for dinner, or a unique addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears, cored and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted (or pecans)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like thyme or mint for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by slicing the pears into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks.
2. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens of your choice.
3. Arrange the sliced pears on top of the greens.
4. Toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool slightly and then sprinkle over the salad.
5. If using, crumble the blue cheese or goat cheese and add it to the salad.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or mint if desired.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Cheese alternatives: Use feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
• Add fruit: Add other fruits like pomegranate seeds, figs, or apples for more variety.
• Make it sweeter: Drizzle some honey over the top of the salad for extra sweetness, or use a sweeter dressing.
• Add protein: To make this salad more filling, top it with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted chickpeas for added protein.
• Vegan version: Omit the cheese for a vegan-friendly version, and use a maple syrup-based dressing for sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The pears will soften and absorb some of the dressing, so it may not have the same crispness as when first prepared. Avoid storing the salad with the dressing if you plan to eat it later to keep the greens fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components (pears, nuts, and cheese) in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

What other greens can I use?

You can use spinach, arugula, mixed greens, or even kale for a different flavor. Arugula works well with the sweetness of the pears because of its peppery bite.

How do I keep the pears from browning?

To prevent the pears from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help keep their color vibrant.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you don’t have blue cheese, try goat cheese, feta, or even sharp cheddar for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pears.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the cheese and use a maple syrup-based dressing instead of honey to make this salad vegan-friendly.

Can I add more fruit?

Yes, pears pair well with other fruits like apples, figs, or grapes. Add any of your favorite seasonal fruits to enhance the salad.

How do I toast the nuts?

Toast the walnuts (or any nuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking occasionally to avoid burning. You can also toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

What dressing can I use if I don’t want balsamic vinegar?

You can use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar for a lighter dressing.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, steak, or roasted chickpeas are excellent choices for adding protein to this salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Pear Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Pear Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of pears with the tangy flavors of cheese, nuts, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a light main course or as a vibrant side dish. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this pear salad is sure to impress with its colorful ingredients and delicious taste. Enjoy this simple yet elegant salad anytime you want a burst of freshness and flavor!

Pear Salad

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Pear Salad is a refreshing and elegant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the crunch of nuts, tangy cheese, and vibrant greens. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad offers a balance of sweetness, savory flavors, and texture, making it an ideal side dish or light main course.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 4 ripe pears, cored and sliced
2. 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
3. 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese (optional)
4. 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted (or pecans)
5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
6. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
7. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
9. Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like thyme or mint for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the pears: Slice the pears into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks.

1. Prepare the greens: Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl.
2. Arrange the pears: Lay the sliced pears on top of the greens.
3. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts or pecans over medium heat for 5 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before sprinkling them over the salad.
4. Add the cheese: If using, crumble the blue cheese or goat cheese and sprinkle it over the salad.
5. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or mint on top for extra flavor, if desired.
8. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled option.

Notes

1. Add protein by topping with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted chickpeas.
2. For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use maple syrup in the dressing for sweetness.
3. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or mint for added flavor.
4. For extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds on top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg