If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a celebration of fresh, crisp, and flavorful ingredients, this Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute delight. Combining juicy slices of ripe pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese all tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any meal where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe features simple ingredients that are easy to find but essential in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen to add a special touch to the salad, ensuring a vibrant and satisfying dish.
- Mixed Greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine brings a variety of textures and a fresh, leafy base to the salad.
- Fresh Pears: Choose ripe yet firm Bartlett or Anjou pears for a sweet but crisp bite that complements the creamy elements.
- Walnuts: Toasted to golden perfection, walnuts add a lovely crunch and a warm, nutty flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the salad’s flavor profile.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use a high-quality vinegar for a rich, slightly sweet acidity that ties all the ingredients together.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the dressing a smooth, luxurious texture and enhances the vinaigrette’s depth.
- Honey: Optional, but a tablespoon adds a subtle sweetness that balances the balsamic vinegar’s tartness beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that make all the ingredients pop without overpowering the delicate flavors.
How to Make Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by washing your mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt. Using a salad spinner, spin them dry so they stay crisp and don’t water down your vinaigrette later. Fresh, dry greens are the foundation of this salad’s vibrant texture.
Step 2: Slice the Pears
Next, halve the pears and carefully remove the core. Slice them thinly into wedges to ensure each bite offers the perfect amount of juicy sweetness. Thin slices also make the pears more diner-friendly and easier to toss with the salad.
Step 3: Toast the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently so they don’t burn. Toasting walnuts intensifies their nutty aroma and adds a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender greens and pears.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette emulsifies into a smooth, glossy dressing. This balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes is what makes this Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe truly exceptional.
Step 5: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts. Gently toss them together to combine without bruising the delicate ingredients. Then drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss again lightly until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy burst of flavor that contrasts the sweet pears and crunchy walnuts. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness at its peak.
How to Serve Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, consider topping the salad with a few whole walnut halves or delicate fresh herbs like mint or basil. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds an aromatic touch just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements a cheese platter beautifully, making it an ideal starter or side at dinner parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers of greens, pears, and walnuts, or arrange it on a large platter for sharing. Adding edible flowers makes it even more festive and inviting for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the ingredients fresh.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing. Freezing will cause the pears and greens to lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears in this salad?
Absolutely! While Bartlett and Anjou pears are perfect for their balance of sweetness and firmness, other varieties like Bosc can work as long as they are ripe but not overly soft.
Is it possible to make the vinaigrette without honey?
Yes, you can omit the honey if you prefer a less sweet dressing. You might want to add a pinch of sugar or a splash of orange juice to maintain the balance of flavors.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Yes, pecans or almonds make great alternatives and add their own unique flavor and crunch to the salad.
How long does this salad stay fresh after tossing with the vinaigrette?
For best results, enjoy the salad immediately after dressing. If left tossed for more than an hour, the greens may wilt and the pears can become soggy.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to make this Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the crisp sweetness of pears paired with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta. This Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is a gem that you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether it’s a quick lunch, an elegant dinner side, or a refreshing appetizer for guests. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted by how effortlessly it brings joy to your table!
Print
Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a light and refreshing dish combining crisp mixed greens, sweet and juicy pears, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making this salad ideal for a healthy lunch or a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Greens (a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 2 medium Fresh Pears (ripe yet firm varieties like Bartlett or Anjou, sliced thinly)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts (toasted for added flavor)
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled for a creamy texture)
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (high-quality for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin for a smooth vinaigrette)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit, then spin dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with clean towels to ensure the leaves are crisp and dry.
- Slice Pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise, remove the core carefully, and then thinly slice each half into delicate wedges to distribute sweetness evenly throughout the salad.
- Toast Walnuts: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the walnuts for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
- Make Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, well-blended vinaigrette.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients lightly and evenly with the dressing.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad as a final garnish and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid mushy texture in the salad.
- Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning which can impart bitterness.
- Honey in the vinaigrette is optional; omit for a less sweet dressing.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain salad crispness.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for variety.
