Are you looking for a refreshing twist on traditional salads? Look no further than the humble pear! Pears are a versatile ingredient that can add natural sweetness, texture, and flavor to any salad. From classic combinations like arugula and walnuts to more unexpected pairings like pomegranate and mint, there’s a pear-based salad out there for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and unique pear salad recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and crunchy or rich and satisfying, these salads have got you covered. So grab a fork and get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious and refreshing pear-based creations out there!
Pear and Arugula Salad with Walnuts
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pears with the peppery flavor of arugula, topped with crunchy walnuts for a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite entrees.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh arugula
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula and pear.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Balsamic Roasted Pear and Goat Cheese Salad
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and savory combination of roasted pears, creamy goat cheese, and tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– Fresh arugula or mixed greens for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Place the pear halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with the glaze, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until pears are tender and caramelized.
5. Let the pears cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
6. Arrange arugula or mixed greens on a platter or individual plates. Top with roasted pear slices and crumbled goat cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Asian Pear Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweet flavor of Asian pears with a nutty sesame dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish. The crunchy texture and subtle sweetness of the pears pair beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 Asian pears, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, scallions, and diced Asian pears.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spinach and Pear Salad with Candied Pecans
This sweet and savory salad combines the freshness of spinach, the sweetness of pears, and the crunch of candied pecans. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup candied pecans (see instructions below)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and diced pear.
2. Top with candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese (if using).
3. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately.
Candied Pecans:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp light corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Add 1/2 cup pecan halves and toss until coated.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let cool before chopping.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Blue Cheese and Pear Salad with Honey Drizzle
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and savory combination of crisp pears, tangy blue cheese, and a hint of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp pure honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears and blue cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the honey-vinegar mixture over the pear-blue cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of grilled pears with the tanginess of gorgonzola cheese, crispy prosciutto, and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 6 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 6 slices of prosciutto, chopped
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill pear wedges for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and slightly tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula leaves, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, and chopped prosciutto.
4. Drizzle with honey and toss to combine.
5. Top salad with grilled pears and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pear and Pomegranate Salad with Mint
A refreshing winter salad that combines the sweetness of pears with the tartness of pomegranates, all tied together with a hint of minty freshness.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced pears and pomegranate seeds.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the pear mixture and toss gently.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad, tossing again to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in no time.
Warm Pear Salad with Bacon and Mustard Vinaigrette
Warm Pear Salad with Bacon and Mustard Vinaigrette: A sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears, peeled and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pear halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast pears in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey to make the vinaigrette.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted pears, crumbled bacon, and vinaigrette.
6. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Pear and Endive Salad with Toasted Almonds
A refreshing winter salad that combines the sweetness of pears with the crunch of endive and toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 4 heads of Belgian endive, separated into leaves
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toss almonds with a pinch of salt on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, combine endive leaves, pear dice, and toasted almonds.
4. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Autumn Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
As the seasons change, celebrate the flavors of autumn with this sweet and tangy salad featuring roasted pears, crispy greens, and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and quartered
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pears with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 cup brown sugar on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped walnuts.
4. Whisk together maple syrup and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and top with roasted pears.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Pear and Beet Salad with Feta Cheese
A sweet and savory combination of roasted beets, crisp pears, and tangy feta cheese makes for a delightful salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Peel the roasted beets and slice into wedges.
4. Cut the pear into thin slices.
5. In a large bowl, combine beet wedges, pear slices, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (roasting beets) + assembly time
Pear and Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of kale, all tied together with a creamy and citrusy lemon tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 ripe pear, diced (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 2 minutes to tenderize them.
2. Add the diced pear to the bowl and toss to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, and water until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale and pear mixture, tossing to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad just before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear and Quinoa Salad with Cranberries
This sweet and savory salad is perfect for a chilly fall evening or a light lunch option. The combination of tender pears, chewy quinoa, and tangy cranberries creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced pears, and cranberries.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the honey, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the warm dressing over the quinoa mixture, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pear and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pears with the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 ripe pear, diced (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the avocado and pear.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the avocado-pear mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear and Radicchio Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A sweet and tangy combination of juicy pears, peppery radicchio, and rich balsamic glaze makes this salad a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced
– 4 cups fresh radicchio leaves
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pear slices and radicchio leaves.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and toss to coat.
3. In a small saucepan, reduce balsamic vinegar over medium heat until thickened and syrupy (about 5 minutes).
4. Pour the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pear and Chicken Salad with Walnut Dressing
A refreshing twist on classic salads, this recipe combines the sweetness of pears with the savory flavor of chicken, all tied together with a rich walnut dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced pear, and chicken breast.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
3. Add the chopped walnuts to the dressing mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Pour the walnut dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes ( preparation only)
Pear and Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pears with the crunch of celery, all tied together with a tangy yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the pear and celery slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the pear and celery mixture, and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pear and Watercress Salad with Hazelnuts
A refreshing winter salad that combines sweet pears with peppery watercress, crunchy hazelnuts, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 4 cups fresh watercress leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pear and watercress.
2. Sprinkle hazelnuts over the top of the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 18 refreshing pear salad recipes! From classic combinations like Pear and Arugula with Walnuts to more unique pairings like Grilled Pear with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto, there’s something for every season. Each recipe features crisp pears as the star, paired with a variety of textures and flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet and tangy or savory and crunchy, these salads are sure to please.
