Sweet & Tangy Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Crisp autumn winds whisper tales of a delightful pear salad with balsamic vinaigrette that dances between sweet and tangy.

Seasonal ingredients burst with vibrant flavors waiting to surprise you.

Juicy pears bring unexpected complexity to this simple dish.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, each bite promises a delectable journey through contrasting textures.

Delicate greens provide a perfect canvas for ripe fruit and zesty dressing.

Minimal preparation transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Venture into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of fresh, harmonious flavors.

What Makes Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Great

• Craft Gourmet Flavors: Combine sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans for a restaurant-quality salad that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap arugula for mixed greens, adjust cheese types, or add protein like grilled chicken to make this salad adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Gourmet Prep: Create a stunning salad in minutes with minimal cooking, using a simple mason jar technique for blending vinaigrette and strategic layering for beautiful presentation.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with fresh produce, nuts, and balanced dressing, this salad offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or visual appeal.

Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients List

• Arugula: A peppery, leafy green that provides a robust base for the salad.

• Pears: Sweet and juicy fruits that add a delicate flavor and soft texture to the salad.
• Onions: Thinly sliced onions that provide a sharp, tangy accent to the dish.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that crumbles easily and adds richness to the salad.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts that bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.

• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet berries that contribute a burst of fruity flavor.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A rich, dark vinegar that provides a deep, complex flavor to the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity oil that helps emulsify and bind the vinaigrette.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dressing.

Quick Steps For Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Step 1: Soften Onion Flavor

Slice onions and place them in a small bowl of ice water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to mellow out their sharp taste. After soaking, drain the onions completely and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Create Balsamic Vinaigrette

Grab a mason jar and add all vinaigrette ingredients. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended. The shaking helps emulsify the dressing, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.

Step 3: Build Salad Foundation

Select a large shallow serving bowl and spread a generous bed of fresh arugula across the bottom. This crisp green base will provide a peppery backdrop for the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Toppings

• Thinly sliced pears
• Softened onions
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Give the vinaigrette another quick shake to recombine if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad with a graceful touch. For an elegant presentation, keep the salad unturned so the dressing naturally cascades through the layers when served.

Tips That Help Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Shine

• Soften Onion Bite: Soak sliced onions in ice water to mellow their sharp taste, creating a more delicate flavor profile for the salad.
• Master Vinaigrette Technique: Shake dressing ingredients in a mason jar to ensure perfect emulsification and smooth blending of flavors.
• Layer with Precision: Arrange ingredients in a shallow bowl, starting with arugula as the base, to create a visually appealing and structured salad presentation.
• Enhance Texture Contrast: Toast pecans beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch that complements the soft pears and creamy goat cheese.
• Dress Just Before Serving: Drizzle vinaigrette at the last moment to maintain the salad's freshness and prevent wilting of delicate greens.

Easy Spins On Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Apple Swap Salad: Replace pears with crisp apple slices for a tangy alternative that maintains the salad's fresh profile.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Substitute goat cheese with crumbled plant-based feta or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add fresh mint or basil leaves to enhance the salad's aromatic complexity and create a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Protein Power Bowl: Include grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to transform the salad into a more substantial meal with added protein.

Perfect Pairings For Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that complements the salad's sweet pears and tangy goat cheese.
• Create Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rustic French baguette slices to add textural contrast and help soak up the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Match Protein Side: Add grilled chicken breast or seared salmon as a light protein that enhances the salad's delicate flavors without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
• Enhance with Sparkling Aperitif: Introduce a light prosecco or champagne to cleanse the palate and provide a festive touch that elevates the entire dining experience.

How To Store Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Store salad components separately in airtight containers to prevent wilting. Keep arugula, pears, onions, cheese, and nuts in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Transfer remaining balsamic dressing to a sealed glass jar and refrigerate for up to one week. Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients.
• Reassemble chilled ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures. Add fresh nuts and cheese to restore crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Do not freeze this salad, as delicate ingredients like arugula, pears, and goat cheese will lose their texture and quality when thawed.

FAQ Guide For Pear Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Why soak onions in ice water?

Soaking sliced onions in ice water helps reduce their sharp, pungent flavor, making them milder and more pleasant to eat in the salad.

• Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balsamic vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake well before using.

• What if I can't find arugula?

You can substitute arugula with mixed greens, baby spinach, or spring mix for a similar fresh and slightly peppery base.

• Are the pecans necessary for the recipe?

While toasted pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, you can omit them or replace them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if desired.

Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful “Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette” brings Mediterranean elegance to your plate with crisp greens and sweet fruit. Refreshing ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that will satisfy and surprise you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Salad Ingredients:

• 3 pears (any variety, thinly sliced)
• 5 ounces (141 grams) arugula
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 to 5 ounces (113 to 142 grams) goat cheese (crumbled)

Vinaigrette and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove (grated or minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans (toasted and cooled)

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Instructions

1. Submerge thinly sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow their pungent bite, then thoroughly drain and blot dry with a paper towel.
2. Create the vinaigrette by combining ingredients in a sealed mason jar, shaking vigorously until the mixture emulsifies and becomes smooth, about 15-20 seconds.
3. Spread a vibrant layer of fresh arugula across a wide, shallow serving platter, creating an inviting green foundation.
4. Artfully arrange delicate pear slices and prepared onions atop the arugula, creating visual texture and depth.
5. Generously scatter crumbled goat cheese, ruby-hued dried cranberries, and golden toasted pecans across the salad surface.
6. Just before serving, re-shake the vinaigrette to ensure proper consistency, then gracefully drizzle over the salad, allowing the dressing to naturally cascade between ingredients for an elegant presentation without disturbing the carefully constructed layers.

Notes

• Softening onions in ice water removes their sharp bite, creating a milder, more pleasant flavor profile for the salad.
• Using a mason jar for vinaigrette makes mixing and storing dressing super easy, with minimal cleanup required.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes after drizzling dressing to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste experience.
• For a vegan version, swap goat cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond cheese or nutritional yeast crumbles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 453 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 225 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg