Pear Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This easy, 5-ingredient pear salad is a beautiful, fresh, delicious fall side dish. It's made with walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese and topped with a creamy, classic balsamic vinaigrette.

About the Recipe

Layered with juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, creamy cheese and tart cranberries, this pear salad is a flavor explosion that celebrates the best of fall!

Plus it's simple. It uses only 5 ingredients and is made with a classic balsamic dressing that you can make yourself or buy.

This recipe is best served as a side dish. It's easy enough to throw together as part of a weeknight dinner; and festive enough to be served at a dinner party or holiday table.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

• Spring lettuce mix (or spinach)
• Pears
• Dried cranberries
• Walnuts
• Blue cheese

For the balsamic dressing:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon
• Maple syrup (or honey)

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for full recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients. Stir or whisk the dressing until emulsified (fully mixed and slightly thickened).

TIP: I love using an electric whisk to mix my dressings (this helps make them thick and creamy)!

Step 2: Mix the salad

Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle as much of the dressing as preferred on top (start by adding half) and toss to mix. 

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately. Serve as a main course (serves about 4) or as a side dish (serves about 6).

Ingredient Notes

Lettuce: I've used a spring mix, but you could use spinach or any other leafy green mix for this salad.

Pears: any type of pear is tasty in this recipe!

Nuts: swap out the walnuts for pecans or slivered almonds if you prefer.

Cheese: this recipe calls for blue cheese, but you can substitute feta, parmesan, gorgonzola, or goat cheese.

Maple syrup: honey can be used instead.

About The Dressing

This recipe includes a simple, classic balsamic vinaigrette. It's thick, creamy and full of flavor. Balsamic dressing is popular in salads that use fruits, and it's a delicious pairing for this salad!

Other dressings you could use include: honey dijon, red wine vinaigrette, or creamy poppyseed. Most vinaigrettes will work for this salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad is tasty when served with simple meat main courses like chicken or steak. It would also be tasty at the holidays served with turkey or roast beef.

Similar Recipes

For more fruit-inspired recipes, check out these favorites:

• Strawberry Feta Salad
• Peach Salad
• Rainbow Fruit Salad

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & rating at the bottom of this page!

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