If you’re on the lookout for a salad that feels like an elegant hug in every bite, you’ve got to try this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe. It brings together the crisp sweetness of ripe pears with the tangy depth of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Tossed with crunchy toasted pecans, vibrant dried cranberries, and creamy blue cheese, this salad isn’t just a side—it’s a star of any meal. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish irresistibly fresh and satisfying, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is key with this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe because each ingredient delivers something special, whether it’s a pop of color, crunch, or creaminess. Every element works beautifully together to create a harmonious and inviting salad.
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced: Choose firm but juicy pears for the best texture and sweetness.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or lettuce): Provides a fresh and peppery base that refreshes the palate.
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted: Adds a warm, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pears.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese: Delivers creamy saltiness that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Brings a subtle tartness and chewy texture that complements the greens and cheese.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and a bright red hue.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: The heart of the vinaigrette with its rich and tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides smoothness and depth to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the vinaigrette and adds a gentle kick.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
Start by creating the star dressing of this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Adding salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage ensures the vinaigrette is perfectly balanced, setting the tone for the entire salad.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep them moving in the pan for about five minutes until they’re fragrant and golden brown. This toasting step is a game-changer, as it intensifies the nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that plays wonderfully off the tender pears and creamy cheese.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
Grab a large salad bowl and place your mixed greens in the bottom. This fresh, leafy bed forms the perfect foundation for all the colorful and flavor-packed toppings that follow, ensuring every bite hits a great mix of textures.
Step 4: Arrange the Salad Ingredients
Now it’s time to layer on the fun! Neatly arrange the thinly sliced ripe pears, toasted pecans, crumbled blue or goat cheese, dried cranberries, thin red onion slices, and halved cherry tomatoes over the greens. This careful layering keeps the salad visually appealing and ensures an even distribution of flavors in every forkful.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Give the balsamic vinaigrette a quick whisk to recombine, then gently drizzle it over the assembled salad. Toss lightly but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with that luscious dressing, making sure each bite is bursting with flavor without losing the crispness of the pears.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad really shines at its freshest. Serve it right after tossing so the greens stay vibrant and crisp, the pears keep their sweetness, and the cheese remains delightfully creamy. It’s a quick final step that leads to an unforgettable dish.
How to Serve Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To make this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe even more special, consider adding a few fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an herbal brightness that complements the fruit and cheese. A sprinkling of extra toasted nuts or edible flowers can add flair and texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It also works beautifully alongside crusty bread or a warm grain dish like quinoa or farro, turning a simple salad into a fully satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the salad on a large platter allowing guests to appreciate the colorful arrangement of ingredients before tossing. Alternatively, portion it into elegant individual bowls or jars for a charming picnic or lunchbox treat that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep the greens crisp and prevent the pears from sogging. Use an airtight container and refrigerate the salad greens and toppings for up to two days. Keep the vinaigrette in a small jar, ready to pour fresh before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit, greens, and dressing, this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is not suitable for freezing. The texture and flavor of the pears and greens would change significantly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this salad. The contrast between fresh, crisp greens and the creamy cheese is part of the charm. For warm meals, serve the salad alongside or after heating your entrée to keep the salad’s integrity intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different vinegar for the vinaigrette?
While balsamic vinegar is key to this recipe’s signature flavor, you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different tang. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and depth of balsamic are what make this salad particularly special.
What type of pears work best for this salad?
Firm yet ripe pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc hold their shape well when sliced and offer a good balance of sweetness and texture for the salad. Avoid overly soft or underripe pears to maintain crispness.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Absolutely! Creamy goat cheese is a popular alternative if you prefer a milder, tangy flavor. Feta also works well if you’re looking for something a little less pungent.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and check that your honey is replaced with a vegan-friendly sweetener such as maple syrup for the vinaigrette.
How long does the homemade balsamic vinaigrette last?
Your homemade vinaigrette will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in a sealed container. Give it a quick shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and refreshing about this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. Its elegant layers of texture and flavor make every forkful a delight, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, give this salad a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to for fresh, sophisticated meals all year round.
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Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 25m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette features ripe, thinly sliced pears combined with mixed greens, toasted pecans, tangy blue cheese, dried cranberries, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s a fresh, light, and elegant dish ideal for a quick lunch or a beautiful starter for dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, baby spinach, or lettuce)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, place the mixed salad greens as the foundation for the salad.
- Add toppings: Arrange the thinly sliced pears, toasted pecans, crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the greens.
- Dress the salad: Whisk the vinaigrette once more, then pour it over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine and coat all ingredients lightly and evenly with the dressing.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to appreciate the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape in the salad.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with goat cheese if preferred for a milder taste.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be prepared ahead by keeping components separate and combining just before serving.
