Description
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant and elegant dish made with fresh pears, crisp greens, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures—simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet beautiful enough for entertaining. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad is a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- Ripe pears, sliced
- Mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- Crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese
- Candied or toasted pecans or walnuts
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
For the balsamic vinaigrette:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey or maple syrup
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- In a large bowl, toss the greens lightly with a small amount of vinaigrette.
- Arrange sliced pears on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle with cheese, nuts, and any optional toppings like onions or cranberries.
- Drizzle with additional vinaigrette before serving, or serve the dressing on the side.