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Pear Salad with Balsamic

Featured in Crisp garden salads with zingy dressings.

This fresh arugula and pear dish mixes sweet and savory flavors. Juicy pears pair beautifully with creamy goat cheese, tangy cranberries, and toasted pecans. The homemade balsamic dressing adds a bold, tangy finish. A quick tip: soaking red onions in cold water lessens their bite while keeping their crunch. The salad works year-round, with easy substitutions for seasonal flair.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:10:05 GMT
Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic Pin it
Fresh Pear Salad with Balsamic | tasteofsavor.com

**Luscious Fall Pear and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Drizzle**

Juicy, mellow pears tucked between spicy arugula make a salad that screams autumn. Each mouthful blends soft fruit, smooth cheese, and snappy nuts in a flavor combo that transforms an ordinary salad into something remarkable. The scratch-made balsamic mixture pulls everything into harmony with its deep, zesty flavor profile.

I served this at our family get-together last week and noticed everyone, even folks who normally skip salads, coming back for more. The way the sugary pears work against the peppery greens while the goat cheese adds a smooth richness made it the highlight of our dinner.

Perfect Ingredient Guide

  • Juicy pears: They should yield slightly when pressed near the stem
  • Crisp arugula: Pick bright, vibrant green bunches
  • Soft goat cheese: Smooth and tangy types are ideal
  • Red onions: Go for solid ones with smooth, glossy skin
  • Dried cranberries: Look for soft, juicy ones
  • Whole pecans: Brown them yourself for maximum taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Go for aromatic, full-bodied versions
  • Aged balsamic vinegar: The syrupy, rich kinds work wonderfully

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Handling Onions:
Cut red onions super thin with a good knife. Soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and blot completely dry with clean kitchen towels. Set them aside till you need them.
Preparing Pecans:
Place nuts flat on a baking tray. Keep an eye on them as they turn amber. Take them out when you can smell their toasty scent. Cool them fully before chopping.
Making Dressing:
Add Dijon mustard to a bowl. Pour in balsamic vinegar and stir until combined. Slowly add olive oil while mixing constantly. Add salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit while you work on other elements.
Getting Pears Ready:
Clean and dry pears well. Slice them thinly from top to bottom. Take out any seeds or hard center bits. Brush with lemon juice so they don't brown. Keep cold until you're ready to use them.
Putting It All Together:
Put fresh arugula in a wide bowl. Fan pear slices in a nice design. Sprinkle soaked onions all around. Add cranberries and pecans over top. Finish with crumbled goat cheese. Add dressing right when you're about to serve.
tasty Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Pin it
tasty Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette | tasteofsavor.com

My household especially enjoys the sweet, succulent pears in this dish. How they match with the sharp goat cheese creates a perfect taste in every bite. Even my picky kid, who typically stays away from "anything green," now asks for this salad all the time.

Adapting Through Seasons

Autumn offers the tastiest pears, but this salad works great year-round. Summer lets you swap in ripe peaches or nectarines, winter works with crisp apples or juicy citrus segments. Spring is perfect for fresh strawberries or plump figs.

Prep-Ahead Strategies

Getting components ready beforehand makes final assembly super easy:

  • Brown nuts ahead and keep in sealed containers
  • Blend dressing and chill it
  • Clean greens and store them right
  • Soak and dry onions earlier in the day
  • Cut pears just before serving

Smart Cooking Tricks

  • Check if pears are ripe by pressing gently by the stem end
  • Toast more nuts than needed for future meals
  • Keep extra dressing handy in the fridge
  • Let cheese warm up a bit for fuller flavor
mouthwatering Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Pin it
mouthwatering Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette | tasteofsavor.com

This salad has become what I'm known for at parties big and small. Its magic comes from both its ease and adaptability, letting me switch things up with the seasons while keeping its classy vibe. Whether it's just for my family dinner or a big celebration, it always gets compliments and people asking how I made it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use ice water for onions?
It softens their strong taste without changing their crispy texture.
→ What’s the best pear to use?
Choose pears that are ripe but still firm enough to slice easily.
→ Can the dressing be prepped early?
Absolutely, it stays fresh in the fridge for about a week.
→ Why leave the ingredients layered?
It looks better and the dressing still spreads to everything.
→ Can pecans be toasted ahead?
Yes, store them in an airtight container for a few days.

Pear Salad with Balsamic

A simple mix of fresh pears, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese. Tossed with dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a sweet balsamic dressing. Perfect for any day.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Balsamic Dressing

01 ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
02 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
03 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 1 garlic clove, minced or finely grated
05 ¼ teaspoon sea salt, fine
06 ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Greens and Veggies

07 5 ounces fresh arugula
08 ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
09 3 pears, any variety works

→ Garnishes

10 4-5 ounces goat cheese
11 1 cup dried cranberries
12 ½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled

Instructions

Step 01

You can soak the onion slices in icy water for 10 minutes if you want them milder, then dry them off well.

Step 02

Throw all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar, close it tight, and give it a good shake.

Step 03

Grab a big salad bowl, spread out the arugula, and layer the pears and red onion on top.

Step 04

Scatter the goat cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, and nuts over the salad base.

Step 05

Shake the dressing again to mix, then pour it over the salad right before serving.

Notes

  1. Apples are a great alternative if you’re out of pears.
  2. Pomegranate seeds can take the place of cranberries.
  3. Any nut works—almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts will do.
  4. Go ahead and swap cheeses—feta, gorgonzola, or parmesan would work fine.

Tools You'll Need

  • A mason jar to mix the dressing.
  • A big salad bowl for mixing everything.
  • A small bowl to soak the onions.
  • Paper towels to dry ingredients.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from the goat cheese.
  • Features tree nuts like pecans.