This Pear Salad combines candied walnuts, mixed greens, fresh pears, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan cheese, drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. So fresh and flavor-packed, this salad is bound to become a new favorite.
This is one of our all-time favorite salads. This salad is quick and easy, even with the homemade dressing. It is a must-try for all pear lovers and a tasty blend of flavors and textures. I love to serve this salad with grilled chicken, baked cod, pan-fried pork chops, grilled shrimp, and even salmon patties.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Nuts: You can substitute pecans for the walnuts. Just follow the same directions for candying them.
- Balsamic vinegar: They sell white balsamic vinegar, which is more aesthetically pleasing on this salad.
- Salad greens: Use spring greens or mixed greens like arugula, baby spinach, baby greens
- Pears: You can use any kind of pear with this salad such as Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett.
- Cranberries: Try dried cherries, apricots, and blueberries, and pomegranate ariels instead of the dried cranberries. They are all equally delicious.
- Parmesan cheese: You can substitute blue cheese or feta cheese.
How to make Pear Salad
Combine the walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir to coat. Cover a small baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread the walnuts out in a single layer. Bake the walnuts at 300 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
While the walnuts are baking, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens and candied walnuts. Slice the pears thinly and brush the flesh with lemon juice. Add the pears, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat. Serve promptly.
Preparation Tips
- You can make the salad dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Most grocery stores carry a prepackaged spring mix blend. This tender vegetation makes a fabulous salad, but watch your expiration dates as the leaves break down faster than a good, sturdy romaine or head of iceberg lettuce.
- Brush the sliced pears with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown before you are ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Nuts: try pecans, almonds, or cashews, either candied or not
- Fruit: try dried cherries, dried apricots, dried blueberries, and pomegranate ariels instead of the dried cranberries, or substitute sliced apples for the pears.
- Cheese: try feta cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola, or goat cheese.
- Meat: add crispy cooked chopped bacon, grilled chicken breasts, or smoked salmon.
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed after the vinaigrette is drizzled and tossed on the salad. That being said, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but try to enjoy it as soon as possible.
More Salad Recipes
Pear Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pear Salad
- 7 ounces mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe pears
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir to coat. Spread the walnuts out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the walnuts for 20-25 minutes or until browned, Flip them halfway through the baking time. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
- While the walnuts are baking, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens and candied walnuts. Slice the pears thinly and brush the flesh with lemon juice. Add the pears, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat. Serve promptly.
Notes
- You can make the salad dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Most grocery stores carry a prepackaged spring mix blend. This tender vegetation makes a fabulous salad, but watch your expiration dates as the leaves break down faster than a good, sturdy romaine or head of iceberg lettuce.
- Brush the sliced pears with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown before you are ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Ruby
I love the combination of fresh pears, candied walnuts, and the homemade balsamic dressing. It is perfect for adding a special touch to any meal. Thanks for sharing this tasty idea.
Matt
This pear salad was delicious. Great winter salad and perfect for small dinner parties. Thanks for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Matt!
Stacie
The perfect blend of tasty, filling and healthy. Finally I find something I can actually eat that’s not filled with chemicals and is something I know that after I eat it, I won’t still be hungry.
Leanne Wong
This salad was so unexpected! I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, especially the pears and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Laura S
Ooh I love this pear salad, so refreshing and I love that unique mix of sweet and savoury. I was able to get the white balsamic vinegar and you are right I think it looks better!
Nikita
I love veggetable salads with apples and grapes! But this Pear Salad, this was really amazing! I had never thought of pears but this combination is really tasty! So refreshing and flavor packed.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Nikita! I am glad that you liked it!
Cameron
Made this pear salad, and it’s a refreshing delight! The combination of sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing—it’s a perfect balance of flavors!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Cameron! I am so glad that you liked it!
Jennifer
This salad was delicious. I love the combination of pears, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, and Parmesan cheese!! Then drizzle it with a balsamic vinaigrette, so refreshing and tasty!
Lavanda Michelle
The combination of candied walnuts, fresh pears, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan is a burst of flavors in every bite.
Elizabeth
What a healthy, wholesome salad! I loved the combination of flavors with the balsamic vinaigrette. It was spot on and a nice change for the new year.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Elizabeth!