Refreshing Crisp Pear Salad Recipe for Snappy Summer Meals

Sweet summer afternoons call for something refreshing like this crisp pear salad that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors.

Ripe pears bring a delightful complexity to every bite of this light dish.

Crunchy greens mingle with juicy fruit slices, creating a vibrant palette of textures.

Delicate nuts add a subtle crunch that complements the soft pear pieces.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in this simple yet elegant salad.

The combination of fresh elements promises a delightful culinary experience that will awaken your taste buds.

Let’s transform your next meal into a celebration of seasonal ingredients.

Tools That Help Slice Pears and Toss a Perfect Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and creating a well-mixed vinaigrette.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for slicing pears and preparing other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precisely cutting pears and any additional salad components.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure vinegar, honey, and mustard for balanced dressing.
• Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: Great for gently mixing and serving the salad without bruising delicate ingredients.

How to Make Pear Salad With Crunch, Cream, and Sweetness

• Prepare Dressing

Whip up a tangy blend by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside.

• Slice and Dice Pears

Carefully wash and pat dry the pears. Cut them into thin, elegant slices, removing the core and stem. Aim for delicate, uniform pieces that will look beautiful in the salad.

• Arrange Salad Base

Spread fresh, crisp greens on a serving platter. Gently layer the pear slices across the bed of greens, creating an attractive and appetizing arrangement.

• Sprinkle Additional Ingredients

Enhance the salad by scattering crumbled cheese and toasted nuts over the pears. This adds delightful texture and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Drizzle and Serve

Take the prepared dressing and lightly pour it over the salad. Use a gentle motion to ensure even coverage. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and crispest textures.

Topping Combos and Dressings You Can Swap In

• Dressing Magic: Whip up the vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, letting flavors meld and intensify.
• Cheese Swap: Try crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile that complements the sweet pears.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace toasted walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies while maintaining a delightful crunch.
• Vegan Twist: Substitute feta with crumbled plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey to create a completely vegan-friendly version of this refreshing salad.
• Make-Ahead Trick: Slice pears just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them in a bit of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.

Serve With Nuts, Cheese, and a Honey Vinaigrette

• Elegant Plate Presentation: Arrange the pear salad on a sleek white plate, drizzling the balsamic dressing in an artistic zigzag pattern for visual appeal.
• Gourmet Cheese Pairing: Crumble some tangy blue cheese or soft goat cheese over the salad to add a creamy, rich dimension that complements the sweet pears.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or candied walnuts on top to introduce a delightful textural contrast and enhance the salad's overall flavor profile.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Serve the salad slightly chilled or at cool room temperature to maintain the crisp texture of the pears and maximize the dressing's vibrant taste.

Store Pears Separately to Avoid Browning

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store this salad dressing in an airtight glass container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Smart Dressing Separation Tip: Gently shake or whisk the dressing before each use since natural ingredients might settle during storage.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Keep prepared dressing away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile and prevent taste contamination.
• Make-Ahead Convenience Method: Prepare the dressing in advance and store separately from salad ingredients to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting of delicate greens or fruits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into a Pear Salad Recipe

• Olive Oil: Silky base that helps blend flavors and creates smooth texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy liquid that adds rich depth and brightens entire salad.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances vinegar's sharpness and provides glossy finish.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that emulsifies dressing and enhances overall taste.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that awakens all ingredients' natural profiles.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds subtle heat and complexity to dressing.

Crisp Pear Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic French pear salad showcases delicate flavors from Provence. Crisp greens, caramelized pears, and tangy goat cheese create a harmonious blend you will savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/feta)
• ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Preparation: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until a smooth, glossy dressing forms.
2. Pear and Greens Preparation: Wash and dry pears, slice into thin crescents, and rinse greens thoroughly, spinning them dry to create a crisp base.
3. Salad Composition: Spread greens on a serving platter, layer pear slices in an overlapping pattern, and scatter crumbled cheese throughout the arrangement.
4. Finishing Touches: Drizzle vinaigrette evenly across the salad, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated, then sprinkle toasted nuts for added texture and depth.
5. Serving: Present the salad immediately to maintain its fresh, vibrant character and optimal temperature.

Notes

• Choose Ripe Pears: Select pears that are firm yet slightly soft when gently pressed, ensuring optimal flavor and texture without bruising or being too hard.
• Prevent Browning: Toss pear slices with a splash of lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain their fresh, appetizing appearance.
• Customize Vinaigrette: Adjust the honey and Dijon mustard ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess, creating a personalized dressing that complements the pears’ natural flavor.
• Temperature Matters: Serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to enhance the vinaigrette’s complexity and preserve the greens’ crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg