Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a light and elegant dish perfect for autumn gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight dinner. Combining sweet pears, tangy cranberries, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, this salad offers a medley of textures and flavors. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together for a stunning presentation and delightful taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant and Simple: Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different fruits, nuts, or cheeses.
Quick to Make: Comes together in just 15 minutes.
Nutritious: Packed with fresh produce, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pear Salad

½ small red onion, thinly sliced
5 ounces arugula
3 pears (any variety)
4–5 ounces goat cheese
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled

Directions

1. Prepare the Red Onion

(Optional) Soak the sliced onion in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified and well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large, shallow serving bowl, arrange the arugula as the base.
Top with sliced pears and red onion.
Sprinkle on goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.

4. Add the Dressing

Shake the vinaigrette if it has separated, then drizzle it over the salad just before serving. Serve as is or lightly toss if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings as a side salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Apples: Replace pears with crisp apple varieties or use a combination of both.
Pomegranate: Swap dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate arils for juicy bursts of flavor.
Berries: Add blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a colorful twist.
Citrus: Include peeled clementines or sliced blood oranges for a refreshing bite.
Nuts: Experiment with walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, or candied pecans.
Cheese: Try gorgonzola, feta, shaved parmesan, or blue cheese as alternatives to goat cheese.
Protein: Add ribbons of prosciutto, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier salad.

Storage

Dressing: Store leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake before use.
Salad: Best served immediately after assembling. If storing, keep the dressing separate to prevent wilting.

FAQs

1. What type of pears work best for this salad?

Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc pears are great choices due to their sweetness and texture.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients (except the dressing) in advance and assemble just before serving.

3. How do I keep pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears in lemon juice to prevent them from oxidizing.

4. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade balsamic vinaigrette provides fresher and richer flavors.

5. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe as written is vegetarian-friendly.

6. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Replace goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely.

7. What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

8. Can I substitute arugula?

Yes, use mixed greens, baby spinach, or baby kale as alternatives.

9. What’s the best pairing for this salad?

Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty soup.

10. How do I adjust the sweetness in the vinaigrette?

Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Conclusion

Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s easy to make yet elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and zesty dressing is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fresh side dish, this salad is a delightful addition to any table. Try it today for a burst of autumn-inspired goodness!