Pears are a quintessential fall and winter fruit, bringing just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to brighten up the colder months. They’re also one of my go-to toppings for salads. This Crisp and Sweet Pear Salad is one of my favorites to make because it’s so simple yet versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. Best of all, you only need a handful of fresh ingredients, and it’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Bowl Insights
This Pear Salad brings together simple, seasonal ingredients for a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again. Each layer contributes natural sweetness, crisp textures and wholesome nutrition to every bite.
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this bowl shine:
- Red Pears: Naturally sweet and juicy with a crisp texture, they add a refreshing element to the mix. Red pears stand out for their anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health, but green pears work just as well.
- Green Leaf Lettuce: Light, tender and refreshing, it creates the perfect base while adding hydration and beta-carotene, promoting healthy skin, vision and immune function.
- Red Onion: Adds a tangy crunch that balances the sweetness of the pears. It’s also rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and supports heart health.
- Pomegranate Arils (Seeds): Bright, tart and bursting with flavor, they bring vibrant color and antioxidants like punicalagins, which promote heart health and strengthen the immune system.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Nutty and crunchy, they add texture and are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc and healthy fats to support heart and immune health.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness of the pears and crunch of the nuts. It’s also a great source of calcium and protein for bone and muscle health.
- Candied Walnuts: Lightly sweet and spiced with cinnamon, they add caramelized crunch while bringing heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Champagne Vinaigrette: Tangy and perfectly balanced, this dressing ties it all together with champagne vinegar, pure honey or maple syrup and aromatic thyme, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
Bowl Building Blocks
To bring this vibrant, nutrient-packed salad to life, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Feel free to tweak the seasonings or substitute ingredients to suit your taste and make this dish uniquely yours.
Base Bowl Blend
- 4 ripe red pears (Anjou or Bartlett), thinly sliced
- 6-8 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Quick Candied Walnuts
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1-2 tablespoons pure honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Tangy Champagne Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or your preferred neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang and emulsification)
- 1-2 teaspoons pure honey or maple syrup
- 1 medium shallot, finely minced
- 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Build Your Bowl
Putting this Pear Salad together is quick and easy. With just a little prep, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful dish that works beautifully for a weeknight meal, holiday gathering, or anything in between. Follow these simple steps to build your bowl!
- Prep the Pears and Onion: Thinly slice the pears and onion. Set them aside.
- Candy the Walnuts: In a non-stick pan or skillet, combine honey or maple syrup, water, cinnamon and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and the seasonings are fully dissolved. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re evenly coated and lightly caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, shaker or jar, combine the grapeseed oil, olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, shallot, thyme, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth, then adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Dress the Lettuce: Lightly toss the chopped lettuce with a small amount of the champagne vinaigrette to evenly coat.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the dressed lettuce as the base. Add the pears, onion, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and candied walnuts. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill briefly if desired. Pair with your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own as a light, nutritious meal.
- Store Properly: For leftovers, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Customize Your Bowl
This Pear Salad is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re adding protein, swapping ingredients or experimenting with new flavors, there are endless ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Add More Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- Switch the Greens: Swap green leaf lettuce with arugula, spinach or a blend of baby greens for a different flavor profile.
- Boost the Creaminess: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture or use feta instead of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Play with Crunch: Replace pumpkin seeds with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds or even crispy chickpeas for a new layer of texture.
- Experiment with Fruit: Swap pears for apples or add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet, chewy contrast.
Let Me See Your Bowl
If you enjoy this Crisp and Sweet Pear Salad, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl. Add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl too.
Love it? Pin it on Pinterest and share it on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Crisp and Sweet Pear Salad
6
servings10
minutes5
minutes345
kcal15
minutesWith creamy goat cheese, candied walnuts and a tangy champagne vinaigrette, this Crisp and Sweet Pear Salad is ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- Base Bowl Blend
4 ripe red pears (Anjou or Bartlett), thinly sliced
6-8 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- Quick Candied Walnuts
1/2 cup walnuts
1-2 tablespoons pure honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
- Tangy Champagne Vinaigrette
1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or your preferred neutral oil)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang and emulsification)
1-2 teaspoons pure honey or maple syrup
1 medium shallot, finely minced
1/3 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prep the Pears and Onion: Thinly slice the pears and onion. Set them aside.
- Candy the Walnuts: In a non-stick pan or skillet, combine honey or maple syrup, water, cinnamon and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and the seasonings are fully dissolved. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re evenly coated and lightly caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, shaker or jar, combine the grapeseed oil, olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, shallot, thyme, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth, then adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Dress the Lettuce: Lightly toss the chopped lettuce with a small amount of the champagne vinaigrette to evenly coat.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the dressed lettuce as the base. Add the pears, onion, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and candied walnuts. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill briefly if desired. Pair with your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own as a light, nutritious meal.
- Store Properly: For leftovers, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Time-Saving Hack: Prepare the dressing, candied walnuts and chopped ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble your salad just before serving for maximum freshness and convenience.
- Oil-Free Dressing Options: For a lighter version, swap the oils for extra champagne vinegar or a mix of vinegar and fresh orange juice. Add a small amount of Dijon mustard and honey or maple syrup to help emulsify the dressing.
- Customize Your Salad: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp or crispy tofu for a heartier meal. Switch up the greens with arugula or spinach, or boost creaminess with sliced avocado or feta. For extra crunch, try toasted almonds or crispy chickpeas, or add dried cranberries or apples for a sweet twist.
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.
