Pear and Walnut Salad | Fresh, Crunchy & Flavorful
1. Introduction
Pear and Walnut Salad is a fresh, elegant salad that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors. Juicy, ripe pears paired with crunchy toasted walnuts, creamy cheese, and lightly dressed greens make it a standout starter or light meal. Its beautiful presentation makes it ideal for dinner parties or holiday gatherings, while its simple ingredients keep it approachable for weeknight meals.
This salad combines fresh fruit, nuts, and cheese in a way that delivers both flavor and texture. The light honey-balsamic dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the pears without overpowering the other ingredients. By following this recipe, you’ll create a salad that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Pears
Choose ripe but firm pears such as Bartlett or Anjou. They should be sweet but hold their shape when sliced.
Mixed Greens
Arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix provide a fresh, slightly peppery base for the salad.
Walnuts
Toasted walnuts add a nutty crunch and complement the sweetness of the pears.
Cheese
Blue cheese or goat cheese adds creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with pears and walnuts.
Dressing
A simple honey-balsamic vinaigrette highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit while balancing flavors with acidity.
Substitutions
- Walnuts → Pecans or almonds
- Cheese → Feta or ricotta salata
- Pears → Apples for a different fruit flavor
- Mixed greens → Spinach or kale
- Honey-balsamic dressing → Lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pears
Wash and slice the pears into thin wedges. Remove the core, keeping the slices uniform in size for even presentation.
2. Toast the Walnuts
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast walnuts for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let cool.
3. Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad
Place mixed greens in a large bowl. Add pear slices and drizzle half of the dressing. Toss gently to coat without bruising the fruit or greens.
5. Add Cheese and Nuts
Crumble cheese over the salad and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
6. Finish with Dressing
Drizzle remaining dressing or serve it on the side. Toss lightly if desired.
7. Serve Immediately
Plate individually or family-style, ensuring each portion has greens, pears, cheese, and nuts.
4. Tips and Variations
- Serve pears at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Prepare walnuts and dressing ahead of time; assemble salad just before serving.
- Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness and color.
- Include thinly sliced red onion for a mild bite.
- Make it a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
5. Serving Suggestions
Pairings
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Quinoa or farro side salads
- Light soups for a starter course
- Crusty bread or crostini
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves
- Extra honey drizzle
- Cracked black pepper
Drink Pairings
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with citrus
- Light rosé
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store components separately: pears in an airtight container for up to 2 days, toasted walnuts in a dry container for 1 week, greens for 2–3 days.
- Do not store assembled salad; it will wilt and pears may brown.
- Assemble just before serving for best freshness.
7. Recipe Notes
- Use firm but ripe pears for texture.
- Toast walnuts carefully to avoid bitterness.
- Honey-balsamic dressing can be adjusted in sweetness according to taste.
- For a festive touch, add pomegranate seeds or citrus segments.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Calcium | 110mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Slice pears into wedges.
- Toast walnuts until fragrant.
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Toss greens with half the dressing.
- Add pears, sprinkle cheese and walnuts.
- Drizzle remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- Assemble just before serving for crispness.
- Optional: add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
Diet Tags
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Low-calorie
- Heart-healthy
Health Benefits
- Pears provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Walnuts contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Mixed greens are nutrient-dense and low in calories.
- Cheese adds protein and calcium.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare walnuts and dressing in advance, but assemble salad just before serving.
2. Can I use apples instead of pears?
Yes, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well.
3. What cheese is best?
Blue cheese or goat cheese complements the pears and walnuts beautifully.
4. Can I add protein?
Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp make this salad a full meal.
5. How do I keep pears from browning?
Brush sliced pears lightly with lemon juice if prepping ahead.
Final Thoughts
Pear and Walnut Salad is a beautiful, flavorful salad that balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. Its versatility and elegant presentation make it perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining. Assemble fresh and enjoy the harmonious flavors in every bite.