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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Pear Salad with Balsamic Dressing

    Published: Oct 5, 2022 · Modified: Nov 7, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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.

    Pear salad with balsamic dressing.

    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.

    Pear salad with blue cheese.

    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).

    Pear salad with balsamic dressing.

    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

    How do you slice pears for pear salad?

    For this recipe, you'll want to thinly slice your pears (there's no need to peel them) into about ¼" thickness.

    How can you tell if a pear is ripe?

    To tell if a pear is ripe, gently press on it near the stem. If it feels slightly soft, then it's ready to be eaten. If it feels hard, it needs to ripen more.

    Pear salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

    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!

    Print
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    Pear salad with balsamic dressing.

    Pear Salad with Balsamic Dressing


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Megan
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 4-5 servings 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    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.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 5 cups spring lettuce mix
    • 2 pears, sliced
    • ⅓ cup dried cranberries
    • ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
    • ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese

    Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:

    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons dijon
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Make the dressing: in a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients.
    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.
    3. Serve: serve immediately.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ⅕th of recipe
    • Calories: 354
    • Sugar: 13.4g
    • Sodium: 459mg
    • Fat: 27.8g
    • Saturated Fat: 4.8g
    • Carbohydrates: 22.9g
    • Fiber: 4.4g
    • Protein: 6.2g
    • Cholesterol: 7mg

    Keywords: salad, pear, fruit, cheese, blue cheese, cranberries, walnuts, spring lettuce, lettuce, balsamic, thanksgiving, christmas, holidays, fall, winter, spring

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @her.wholesome.kitchen — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue Schnelle

      November 10, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      Made this recipe the other night and it was great. I’m making it again tonight

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Megan

        November 12, 2022 at 6:46 am

        Thanks Sue!! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Megan! I'm a health coach & I love to create salad recipes that are simple and delicious.

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