Pear Walnut Salad Recipe

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If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony, this Pear Walnut Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with crisp pears, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, all tossed in a bright, homemade dressing, it’s the kind of salad that turns any meal into something special. Whether as a light lunch or a festive side, this salad delivers layers of texture and taste that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pear Walnut Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, from the peppery greens to the sweet pears and crunchy walnuts, creating a balance that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

• 6 cups mixed salad greens: Choose arugula, spinach, or your favorite mix for freshness and a variety of textures.
• 2 ripe pears: Bosc or Anjou pears work best for their sweetness and firm texture, thinly sliced for easy bites.
• 1 cup walnuts: Roughly chopped and toasted to bring out a warm, nutty flavor that crunches delightfully.
• 4 oz blue cheese: Crumbled for creamy, tangy notes, though goat cheese or feta are excellent alternatives.
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: For a smooth, fruity base that carries all the flavors together.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that brightens the whole salad.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and a gentle kick to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to enhance and harmonize all the ingredients.
• Optional 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds: For a jewel-like garnish that adds vibrant color and a juicy pop.

How to Make Pear Walnut Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the walnuts

Place the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat and toast them, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes. This simple step brings out their natural oils and creates a richer, deeper flavor that adds an irresistible crunch to your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dressing perfectly balances tang and sweetness, tying the salad ingredients together beautifully.

Step 3: Get the greens ready

Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens, then transfer them to a large salad bowl. Dry greens are key for a dressing that clings well and doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Slice the pears

Core your ripe pears and slice them thinly for delicate layering in the salad. If you’re not serving right away, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent browning.

Step 5: Combine pears and walnuts with greens

Add the toasted walnuts and pear slices to the bed of greens, letting their textures and flavors mingle before adding cheese and dressing.

Step 6: Add the cheese

Crumble the blue cheese over the salad for creamy bursts of tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder option, goat cheese or feta will work just as well and add a lovely creaminess.

Step 7: Dress and toss

Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every leaf and ingredient without bruising your delicate pears.

Step 8: Optional finishing touch

For an extra pop of color and a subtle tartness, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top. This step turns your salad into a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately and savor the wonderful interplay of textures and flavors in your Pear Walnut Salad Recipe.

How to Serve Pear Walnut Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding pomegranate seeds or a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the salad’s presentation and add fresh brightness. A small drizzle of balsamic glaze also pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pears and the sharpness of the blue cheese.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent accompaniment to a light dinner. It also works well alongside hearty soups or a rustic bread basket, offering a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual glass bowls to showcase those beautiful layers, or pile it high on a wide, flat platter for family-style sharing. For a dinner party, consider using pear halves as natural bowls filled with the salad for a stunning and unexpected serving idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately whenever possible. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and place the salad, pears, walnuts, and cheese in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and delicate pears, this salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would damage the texture and flavor of the ingredients, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two when stored properly.

Reheating

This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm twist, you can gently warm the walnuts to refresh their crunch before tossing into the salad again.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are great substitutes that still provide a satisfying crunch and complement the pears and cheese wonderfully.

Is it okay to use other types of cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or feta are delicious alternatives if you prefer a milder or less pungent flavor than blue cheese. Each brings its own character to the salad.

How can I prevent the pear slices from browning if I prepare ahead?

Toss the pear slices with a little lemon juice or lightly coat them in the dressing right after slicing to slow down oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Definitely. The dressing can be whisked together and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk again before serving.

Is this Pear Walnut Salad Recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based option or omit it entirely, and ensure your dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Pear Walnut Salad Recipe is like inviting a burst of fresh, comforting flavors to your table. It’s easy enough for a quick lunch yet elegant enough to be a star side at your next gathering. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, because good food and good company really are the best combination.

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