What goes in a pear salad?

- Add lettuce and pear halves to serving plates. Arrange lettuce leaves on a dish. Drain canned pear halves and place open-face-up on top of lettuce. - Add mayonnaise, cheese, and cherries: Spoon a dollop (about one tablespoon) of mayonnaise into each canned pear, and sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.

What do pears pair well with?

Fresh pears pair wonderfully with walnuts. Apples tend to get most of the love this time of year, but fall also is prime time for a variety of pears. My favorites are Bosc and Anjou pears, both of which are firm and sweet, and when sliced on top of a simple green salad elevate it to greatness.

What are some popular variations of pear salad?

Pear salads can be customized in numerous ways. Common variations include adding ingredients like blue cheese, walnuts, arugula, cranberries, or balsamic vinaigrette. For instance, a pear salad with balsamic vinegar and walnuts combines sweet pears with tangy balsamic dressing and crunchy nuts.

Which types of pears are best for salads?

Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, and Comice pears are popular choices for salads due to their firm texture and sweet flavor. Anjou pears are firm and lightly sweet, making them suitable for baking and poaching. Bartlett pears are versatile for snacking when soft and for baking when firm. Bosc pears maintain their structure in baking and poaching due to their firm texture and slightly spicy flavor. Comice pears are best eaten fresh due to their rich, buttery sweetness.

Pear Salad: The Perfect Blend of Sweetness and Crunch

The Ultimate Pear Salad Guide: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible

This Pear Salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy flavors. Featuring ripe pears, peppery greens, creamy cheese, toasted nuts, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a fresh and elegant dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or a light lunch, this salad is quick to make and packed with nutrients.

Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, thinly sliced
4 cups arugula, spinach, or mixed greens
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese
½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
¼ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Slice the Pears: Thinly slice the pears, leaving the skin on for texture and color. Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Toast the Nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the nuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange greens in a large bowl or platter. Top with pear slices, crumbled cheese, toasted nuts, and optional dried fruit.
Dress & Serve: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently and enjoy.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture.
Toasting nuts enhances their flavor—don’t skip this step!
If making ahead, prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

Author: Anna Gomez
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mgpear salad, goat cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy salad, arugula salad, easy salad, fall salad, fresh salad, quick salad

Keywords: pear salad, goat cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy salad, arugula salad, easy salad, fall salad, fresh salad, quick salad