Pear salad is a combination of ingredients that may not seem like an obvious match at first glance. Together, however, they create a truly delicious and well-balanced dish. Juicy pear, creamy goat cheese, salty bacon, crunchy nuts, and the element that ties all the flavors together – a maple vinaigrette. I can assure you that once you try it, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.

Pear salad – what to add?

Pear salad is one of those recipes you can make in many different ways, depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have in your fridge. Below you’ll find some tips on how to create your own version of this delicious fruit-based salad.

Create your own pear salad!  

• Green base – reach for your favorite leafy greens. I usually choose lamb’s lettuce or baby spinach, as they’re mild and delicate in flavor. If you prefer something more peppery, go for arugula.

• Pear – choose one that’s ripe but still firm, so it keeps its shape when sliced and doesn’t release too much juice.

• Cheese – soft, creamy goat cheese (in a log) is my favorite option. Blue cheeses such as gorgonzola or camembert will add a more intense, savory flavor, while mozzarella is a much more delicate choice.

• Crunchy element – a must! Walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts add a lovely nutty aroma, especially if lightly toasted in a dry pan. You could also use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds.

• Protein – my favorite addition is pan-fried, crispy bacon. Grilled or smoked chicken is a lighter alternative, while roasted chickpeas work well in a vegetarian version.

• Dressing – it brings all the flavors together and often determines whether the salad is truly successful. A classic, simple vinaigrette works perfectly, or the maple vinaigrette I suggest in the recipe below. It’s delicious!

I hope you'll enjoy this pear salad! And if you like seasonal deserts with pear, you might want to try out two more recipes: 

• Easy rustic tart with pears and cinnamon
• How to poach pears with honey | The best recipe

Pear salad with goat cheese

Juicy pear, creamy goat cheese, salty bacon, crunchy nuts, and the element that ties all the flavors together – a maple vinaigrette.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 2 ripe pears
• 2 handful of greens (for example, lamb’s lettuce)
• 60 g goat cheese (log-shaped)
• 4 slices smoked bacon
• 3 tbsp pecans
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries (without added sugar)

Maple vinaigrette

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove  (minced)
• salt to taste
• pinch of pepper

Instructions

 

• To prepare the maple vinaigrette, place all the ingredients in a small jar, close it tightly, and shake until well combined. If you prefer, you can mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
• In a well-heated pan, without adding any fat, fry the bacon slices until golden and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel to drain off excess fat, then cut into smaller pieces.
• Using a dry frying pan, toast the pecans.
• In two medium bowls in which you’ll serve the salad, arrange the leafy greens, sliced pears, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Sprinkle with the crispy bacon and toasted pecans. Drizzle with half of the prepared vinaigrette, adding more if needed, to taste.

key words bacon, pears, lunch, pecans, goat cheese, cranberry

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