15 Delicious Pear Salad Recipes for Fresh Flavor
Pears are one of the most versatile fruits of the season, offering a delicate sweetness, a juicy bite, and a subtle floral aroma that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet ingredients.
Their refreshing flavor can brighten up greens, cheeses, nuts, and grains, transforming even simple salads into elegant creations. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, a light lunch, or a dinner starter that looks restaurant-worthy, pear salads add a balance of freshness and sophistication.
With different varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou, each pear brings its own unique texture and flavor — giving you endless ways to get creative in the kitchen.
1. Classic Pear & Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese
This classic pear and walnut salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an all-time favorite for fall and winter gatherings.
The sweetness of fresh pears blends beautifully with the tangy bite of blue cheese, while toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- Mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Arrange greens in a large bowl.
- Add sliced pears, walnuts, and blue cheese.
- Toss lightly with balsamic vinaigrette.
✨ Twist: Swap walnuts for candied pecans to add a touch of sweetness.
2. Pear & Prosciutto Arugula Salad
Elegant, light, and bursting with flavor, this pear and prosciutto arugula salad brings together the peppery freshness of arugula with the juicy sweetness of ripe pears.
Thin slices of prosciutto add a salty richness, while shaved Parmesan gives it a savory, nutty edge. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice ties the ingredients together, creating a salad that feels luxurious without being heavy.
Ingredients:
- Fresh arugula
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 6 slices prosciutto, torn
- Shaved Parmesan
- Olive oil + lemon juice
Instructions:
- Spread arugula on a serving platter.
- Layer pears and prosciutto over greens.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
✨ Twist: Add a drizzle of honey for sweet–savory balance.
3. Spinach, Pear & Cranberry Salad
This colorful salad is not only visually appealing but also full of vibrant flavors that make it a standout on any table.
The fresh spinach provides a tender, leafy base, while crisp diced pears add a juicy bite. Sweet-tart dried cranberries offer a chewy contrast, and toasted almonds bring a nutty crunch.
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach leaves
- 2 pears, diced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Poppy seed dressing
Instructions:
- Toss spinach with pears, cranberries, and almonds.
- Drizzle with poppy seed dressing just before serving.
✨ Twist: Replace almonds with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free, seasonal crunch.
4. Roasted Pear & Goat Cheese Salad
Roasting pears enhances their natural sweetness, caramelizing the edges and creating a soft, almost buttery texture that pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese.
This salad combines roasted pear slices with mixed greens, candied pecans, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic vinaigrette. The contrast of warm pears and cool greens is irresistible, offering a cozy yet refreshing dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, halved and roasted
- Mixed salad greens
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Candied pecans
- Honey-balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Roast pear halves at 375°F (190°C) until tender.
- Slice and arrange over greens.
- Add goat cheese and candied pecans.
- Drizzle with honey-balsamic vinaigrette.
✨ Twist: Roast pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
5. Asian-Inspired Pear & Sesame Salad
Light, crisp, and refreshing, this Asian-inspired salad combines sweet julienned pears with crunchy cucumber and fragrant sesame seeds.
Tossed with a bright ginger-soy dressing, it has a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Green onions add a mild sharpness, while sesame oil deepens the flavor with nutty undertones.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, julienned
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Dressing: soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil
Instructions:
- Combine pears, cucumber, and onions in a bowl.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Toss salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
✨ Twist: Add shredded carrots and fresh cilantro for extra color and flavor.
6. Pear, Gorgonzola & Candied Pecan Salad
This salad is a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both elegant and indulgent. Sweet, juicy pears are paired with sharp, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, which balances the fruit’s delicate sweetness.
Candied pecans bring a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized flavor, while crisp mixed greens provide freshness.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup candied pecans
- Light vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Arrange greens on a serving plate.
- Top with pears, Gorgonzola, and pecans.
- Drizzle lightly with vinaigrette before serving.
✨ Twist: Try swapping Gorgonzola for creamy Roquefort for a bolder flavor.
7. Grilled Pear & Chicken Salad
Grilling pears caramelizes their natural sugars and brings a smoky depth that pairs wonderfully with savory ingredients. In this hearty salad, grilled pear slices are layered with tender strips of grilled chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a scattering of toasted almonds.
A light honey-mustard dressing ties it all together, creating a meal-worthy salad that is both satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, halved and grilled
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- Fresh spinach
- ¼ cup toasted almonds
- Honey-mustard dressing
Instructions:
- Grill pear halves until lightly charred, then slice.
- Combine spinach, chicken, and pears in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with almonds and drizzle with dressing.
✨ Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
8. Quinoa, Pear & Pomegranate Salad
This salad combines wholesome grains with juicy fruit for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. Fluffy quinoa serves as the base, layered with diced pears, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and crunchy cucumbers. A lemony vinaigrette brightens the flavors, while fresh mint adds a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 pear, diced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cucumber, diced
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Cook and cool quinoa.
- Toss with pears, pomegranate, cucumber, and mint.
- Dress with lemon vinaigrette before serving.
✨ Twist: Add crumbled goat cheese for creaminess.
9. Pear & Beet Salad with Feta
Earthy roasted beets and sweet pears come together in this vibrant, nutrient-rich salad. The bold colors of red or golden beets contrast beautifully with crisp pear slices, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Crumbled feta adds tang and creaminess, while walnuts provide a nutty crunch.
Ingredients:
- Roasted beets, sliced
- 2 pears, sliced
- Mixed greens
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Walnuts
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Arrange greens on a plate.
- Add beets, pears, feta, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
✨ Twist: Use golden beets for a milder flavor and brighter color palette.
10. Pear, Avocado & Citrus Salad
This salad bursts with freshness, combining the creamy richness of avocado with the juicy sweetness of pears and the tangy brightness of citrus.
Grapefruit or orange segments add a refreshing zing, while a light citrus vinaigrette ties the ingredients together. The mix of creamy, sweet, and tangy makes every bite layered and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- Citrus segments (grapefruit or orange)
- Mixed greens
- Citrus vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Combine pears, avocado, and citrus segments.
- Place over a bed of greens.
- Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette before serving.
✨ Twist: Add toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
11. Pear, Apple & Pecan Harvest Salad
This salad is a celebration of autumn flavors, bringing together two seasonal fruits in one dish. Crisp pears and tart apples are tossed with candied pecans, dried cranberries, and mixed greens for a colorful and hearty plate.
A maple Dijon vinaigrette enhances the sweet and tangy notes, giving the salad a comforting fall essence.
Ingredients:
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- Mixed salad greens
- ⅓ cup candied pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- Maple Dijon vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Toss greens with pears, apples, pecans, and cranberries.
- Drizzle with maple Dijon vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
✨ Twist: Add crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor contrast.
12. Pear & Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Refreshing and light, this salad is perfect for warm days when you want something hydrating yet flavorful. Juicy pears and crisp cucumbers form the base, while a creamy yogurt dressing with a hint of garlic and lemon ties everything together.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill or mint
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs into a dressing.
- Toss pears and cucumber in the dressing.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
✨ Twist: Add a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
13. Warm Kale & Pear Salad with Bacon
This hearty salad combines sweet pears with the smoky richness of bacon for a warm, comforting dish. The kale is slightly wilted by a warm bacon vinaigrette, making it tender while retaining its earthy flavor.
Juicy pears add freshness, while a scattering of Parmesan cheese ties everything together with salty sharpness.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 2 pears, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup Parmesan shavings
- Warm bacon vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Cook bacon and set aside, reserving drippings.
- Make vinaigrette with drippings, vinegar, and mustard.
- Toss kale with vinaigrette until slightly wilted.
- Add pears, bacon, and Parmesan before serving.
✨ Twist: Replace kale with Swiss chard for a milder green.
14. Pear, Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Bursting with color and freshness, this salad is perfect for spring or summer. Sweet pears pair beautifully with ripe strawberries, creating a naturally sweet combination. Spinach provides a nutritious base, while almonds add crunch.
A light balsamic vinaigrette enhances the flavors without overpowering them. It’s a simple yet stunning salad that works well as a starter or a light main dish, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- Fresh spinach leaves
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Layer spinach with pears and strawberries.
- Sprinkle with almonds.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
✨ Twist: Add goat cheese crumbles for extra creaminess.
15. Pear & Farro Grain Bowl Salad
For a salad that eats like a meal, this pear and farro bowl delivers both nutrition and flavor.
Chewy farro grains are tossed with fresh pear slices, roasted vegetables, and arugula, then finished with a lemon-tahini dressing. The combination of hearty grains and juicy fruit creates a satisfying contrast that’s wholesome and filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini)
- Fresh arugula
- Lemon-tahini dressing
Instructions:
- Cook farro and let it cool slightly.
- Toss with pears, roasted vegetables, and arugula.
- Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing before serving.
✨ Twist: Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.