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Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (VIDEO)

This Autumn Pear Salad recipe is simple but stunning. Combining sweet pears, fresh arugula, tangy Craisins, and crunchy nuts is the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This has become my go-to for autumn gatherings. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make this Pear Salad Recipe.

Pear Salad being dressed with Balsamic Vinaigrette in a white bowl, loaded with a variety of pears, red onion, goat cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans

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We love salads that are effortless yet elegant and packed with seasonal flavors. From Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad to Strawberry Salad with Honey Vinaigrette, if you enjoy elevated salads, this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a must-try!

Pear Salad Video Tutorial

Watch Natasha make this Pear Salad with toasted pecans and balsamic vinaigrette. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to assemble and captivated by its rustic beauty. Perfect for Fall and elegant enough for your Thanksgiving table, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients for Autumn Pear Salad

The key to making a great Pear Salad lies in using a variety of fresh, ripe pears for added texture and sweetness, along with the homemade dressing.

  • Red onion – Adds a mild, sweet crunch and a touch of sharpness, or use shallots for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Arugula – Provides a peppery, fresh green base to the salad.
  • Pears – I use a variety of ripe, sweet, juicy pears which add delicious flavor, textures, and beautiful colors to this autumn salad.
  • Goat cheese – Offers a creamy and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pears and the bitterness of the arugula.
  • Dried cranberries – Introduce a sweet and chewy texture, adding bursts of flavor that complement the other ingredients.
  • Pecans – Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toast the nuts for enhanced flavor and aroma.
Ingredients for Pear Salad: Red onion, arugula, a colorful variety of pears, goat cheese, dried cranberries

Ingredients for Balsamic Vinaigrette

We used the same dressing for our Beet Salad, Chicken Cobb Salad, and the mixed greens salad in my Cookbook. It’s a keeper of a salad dressing and so versatile.

  • Extra virgin olive oil – Provides a rich base that adds depth and smoothness to the dressing.
  • Balsamic vinegar – Balances the richness of the olive oil with tangy sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • Dijon mustard – Serves as an emulsifier, blending the oil and vinegar while adding a subtle kick of flavor.
  • Garlic clove – (grated or minced) infuses the dressing with a bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper – Enhance the flavor of each ingredient in the salad dressing.
Ingredients for Balsamic Vinaigrette: Extra virgin olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Garlic clove, Fine sea salt, black pepper

Variations

There are so many ways to change up this salad, so use what you have on hand to keep it exciting:

  • Apples – Any crisp apple works wonderfully here, or combining apple with pear.
  • Pomegranate Arils – Swap dried cranberries for juicy pomegranate seeds for a fun, festive touch perfect for holiday gatherings.
  • Berries – Add berries like blackberries for a pop of color.
  • Citrus – Peel a clementine or blood orange and cut it into crosswise rings.
  • Figs – Add quartered figs to the top of the salad to make it look and taste so fancy.
  • Nuts – Try walnuts, pine nuts, sliced almonds, chopped cashews, or candied pecans.
  • Prosciutto – If you want to add a little salty bite, add ribbons of prosciutto.
  • Greens – Use mixed salad greens, baby spinach, or even baby kale.
  • Cheese – replace goat cheese with shaved parmesan cheese, gorgonzola or a mild blue cheese, or feta cheese.
Autumn Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and toasted pecans in a white bowl, loaded with a variety of pears, red onion, goat cheese, and cranberries.

What Kind of Pear is Best for Salad?

Taking flavor, texture, and sweetness into consideration, the following pear varieties, or a combination of pears, work well in this recipe:

  • Bartlett Pears: Known for their juicy sweetness and soft texture. Bartlett pears turn yellow as they ripen.
  • Bosc Pears: Their firm, crisp texture, and slightly spicy flavor provide a satisfying crunch. Bosc pears are golden-brown or tan.
  • Anjou Pears have a sweet and smooth texture and are a light green color.
  • Comice Pears: Have a buttery sweetness and juicy flesh. Comice pears are green with a hint of red or yellow.
  • Red Pears: Adding a pop of seasonal color, red pears offer a sweet and mild flavor. Red pears range from deep red to dark burgundy in color.

How to Make Pear Salad

  • Prepare the Onions (Optional) – Soak the onions in a small bowl of iced water for 10 minutes to remove some of their harsh flavor. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
Red onions soaking in a glass bowl with water and rice to remove some of  its harsh onion flavor
  1. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette – In a mason jar, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake until well combined.
Make the balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar so that you can easily shake and pour directly onto the salad when ready to serve.
  1. Assemble the Salad – In a large shallow salad serving bowl, add your arugula greens. Top with pears and onions.
  1. Add Toppings – Sprinkle on goat cheese, cranberries, and nuts.
  1. Dress the Salad – Shake your dressing again if it has separated and drizzle it over the salad just before serving. You can serve it with or without tossing; it’s prettier if you don’t toss it. Don’t worry—the dressing will work its way down to the greens!
Step by step photos of assembling the Pear Salad with arugula, Red onion, pears, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.

Pro Tip:

If the dressing separates (which is completely normal), just give it a good shake right before serving to blend it again. Add the dressing just before serving, and there’s no need to toss it— stirring messes up the beautiful presentation. The dressing will naturally work its way through the layers of the salad.

Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette in a white bowl, loaded with a variety of pears, red onion, goat cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans

What to Serve with Pear Salad

This hearty salad is substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own (especially with the addition of optional protein), but it also makes a fantastic side dish, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal. Serve this Pear Salad with:

Make-Ahead

You can prepare this salad ahead, but once the dressing is added, it should be enjoyed within a few hours, so store the salad dressing separately until ready to serve. This is another reason I love to make it in a mason jar – it’s easy to store in the refrigerator.

How to prevent pears from browning – If you slice them ahead of time, squeeze a lemon over them, as the juice will help prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.

Pear Salad drizzled with Balsamic Vinaigrette in a white bowl, loaded with a variety of pears, red onion, goat cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans

I hope you enjoy this vibrant Autumn Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, a perfect blend of Fall flavors and textures—it’s sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering!

More Autumn Salad Recipes

If you love this Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, you’re in for a treat with these other irresistible Fall salad recipes.

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Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

5 from 4 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Pear Salad being dressed with Balsamic Vinaigrette in a white bowl, loaded with a variety of pears, red onion, goat cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is an elegant autumn dish with a stunning presentation. Sweet pears, peppery arugula, tangy Craisins, and crunchy nuts create perfect flavors!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings as a side salad

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:

Pear Salad Ingredients:

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz arugula
  • 3 pears, any variety
  • 4 to 5 oz goat cheese
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled

Instructions

  • (Optional) Soak the onions in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to remove some of their harsh flavors. Drain well, and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • In a mason jar, combine all of the salad ingredients and shake until well combined.
  • In a large shallow salad serving bowl, add your arugula greens. Top with pears and onions.
  • Sprinkle on goat cheese, cranberries, and nuts.
  • Shake your dressing again if it has separated and drizzle it over the salad just before serving. You can serve with or without tossing; it’s prettier if you don’t toss it, and don’t worry, the dressing will work its way down to the greens.

Notes

Variations:

  • Apples – Any crisp apple works well, or combine apple with pear 
  • Pomegranate Arils – Swap dried cranberries for juicy pomegranate seeds
  • Berries – Add blackberries for a pop of color.
  • Citrus – Peel a clementine or blood orange and cut it into crosswise rings
  • Fresh Figs – Quarter fresh figs and add them to the top
  • Nuts – Experiment with walnuts, pine nuts, sliced almonds, chopped cashews, or even our candied pecans.
  • Prosciutto – For a little salty bite, try adding ribbons of prosciutto
  • Greens – Use mixed salad greens, baby spinach, or even baby kale
  • Cheese – Try shaved parmesan cheese, gorgonzola, a mild blue cheese, or feta cheese.

Nutrition Per Serving

1serving Serving339kcal Calories34g Carbs5g Protein22g Fat5g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat13g Monounsaturated Fat9mg Cholesterol198mg Sodium181mg Potassium5g Fiber25g Sugar224IU Vitamin A5mg Vitamin C49mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
339
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
13
g
Cholesterol
 
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
198
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
181
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
34
g
11
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
25
g
28
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
224
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
49
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: autumn pear salad, pear salad, pear salad recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 339
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

5 from 4 votes

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Comments

  • make your cookbook
    October 22, 2024

    This Pear Salad recipe is amazing! The blend of sweet pears, arugula, and crunchy pecans sounds perfect for fall. I love how easy it is to make, yet it looks so elegant. The variations you mentioned with apples and pomegranate seeds are also great ideas. I can’t wait to try this for my next family dinner—it will definitely impress everyone!

    Reply

  • KarenMC
    October 19, 2024

    Hi Natasha,
    I recently served this salad for company and they loved it! The salad dressing was a really nice change off of the one customarily make. Two people asked for your recipe. If there is any leftover dressing about how long does it keep in the refrigerator? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 19, 2024

      I Karen, the dressing will store well in the fridge separately for a few days. See my make ahead tips in the recipe post under the “Make Ahead” section.

      Reply

  • Oksana
    October 14, 2024

    It looks delicious!! Have you ever substituted pears with apples?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 14, 2024

      Hi Oksana, I imagine that may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Dori
    October 10, 2024

    Yum, this salad looks so good! And I’ve been looking for a homemade balsamic dressing recipe too. Any ideas on what could be substituted for the Grey Poupon mustard in the dressing? We are not fans of that mustard so we never have it in the house over here . . .

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 10, 2024

      You can try using tahini or yogurt for creaminess, though it will change the flavor profile.

      Reply

  • Jarmila
    October 5, 2024

    If my husband doesn’t have a salad every day, he has no energy, so I had to look for different salad recipes over the course of several years. Your salad is the tastiest of them all. And very nutritional.
    Thank you for this recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 5, 2024

      You are so very welcome!

      Reply

  • Diane
    October 5, 2024

    My husband just bought craisins yesterday! Today, we are going shopping for all the ingredients in your Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Colorful foods are the most nutritious. Will let you know how it turns out. Your video is a work of art! Thanks! BTW, that pepper mill is bigger than you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 5, 2024

      Hi Diane! I’m excited for you to try the salad! Let us know how it is.

      Reply

  • Ken MacDougall
    October 4, 2024

    What would be a good substitute for goat cheese? Would Feta work?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 4, 2024

      Hi Ken, we love it with goat cheese, but we do share a list of substitutions you can make under the variations section of the recipe post. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Joey
    October 4, 2024

    Devine flavour combination and not a complicated dish. A go too salad for company

    Reply

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