Name: Irresistible Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Walnuts (Can substitute with pecans or almonds); 2 medium Pear (Bartlett or Anjou preferred when ripe); 4 cups Spring Mix (Can substitute with spinach or arugula); 1 cup Feta Cheese (Can substitute with goat cheese); 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (Raisins or dried cherries can be used); 1 medium Shallot (Can substitute with yellow onion); 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Avocado oil is a good alternative); 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (White wine vinegar can be used instead); 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (Honey can serve as an alternative); 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Regular mustard can be used if Dijon isn't available); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Regular table salt can be used in smaller quantities); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

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As the leaves turn to vibrant shades of amber and gold, I find myself craving the bright, crisp flavors of autumn. That’s where this delightful Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta in Maple Vinaigrette comes in—it perfectly embodies the season. Not only is this easy recipe a feast for the eyes, but it also brings together juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta to create a healthy vegetarian side dish that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving table or a simple, satisfying dish to enjoy on a cozy evening, this salad checks all the boxes. Ready to elevate your fall meals? Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make this seasonal favorite!

Why is this Pear Salad a Must-Try?

Simplicity makes this dish accessible for chefs of all levels. Fresh ingredients highlight the best of fall, while toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Versatility shines with easy substitutions like goat cheese for feta or apples for pears. Nutritious and vegetarian, it’s perfect for gatherings, transitioning beautifully from lunch to dinner. Plus, this salad can pair wonderfully with other dishes, such as Peach Feta Salad or Bacon Pasta Salad, expanding your autumn menu!

Pear Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Walnuts – Add crunch and a rich nutty flavor; substitute with pecans or almonds for a different nut profile.
• Pear – Provides sweetness and juiciness; Bartlett or Anjou pears work best when ripe.
• Spring Mix – A blend of greens for freshness; swap with spinach or arugula if preferred.
• Feta Cheese – Offers a creamy, tangy element; can be replaced with goat cheese for a stronger flavor.
• Dried Cranberries – Introduces sweetness and a chewy texture; raisins or dried cherries make great substitutes.

For the Dressing
• Shallot – Adds a mild onion flavor; yellow onion can substitute in a pinch.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Acts as the dressing’s base providing richness; avocado oil is a lovely alternative.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances richness with acidity; white wine vinegar can be used instead.
• Pure Maple Syrup – Sweetens the dressing; honey can serve as an alternative, but changes flavor slightly.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing; regular mustard works if Dijon isn’t available.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Enhance flavor; regular table salt can be used in smaller quantities.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pear Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This temperature is perfect for toasting the walnuts, enhancing their rich flavor and crunch. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and a baking sheet, so you’re ready to move quickly when the time comes.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to toast properly. Place them in the preheated oven and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly! Once toasted, remove them from the oven, allow to cool, then chop coarsely.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: finely chopped shallot, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Aim for a smooth, well-combined consistency, balancing sweetness and acidity that will beautifully enhance your pear salad.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, mix the spring greens with half of the sliced pears, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dried cranberries, and the toasted walnuts. Carefully toss these ingredients together, ensuring each element is lightly coated in the dressing for a burst of flavor throughout the salad.

Step 5: Adjust Dressing
Taste your salad mixture to see if it needs more dressing; if so, drizzle in additional dressing, a little at a time, until lightly coated. This is important to keep the integrity of the salad while enhancing its flavors. The balance of the pear salad should be refreshing without being soggy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with the remaining sliced pears, extra feta, cranberries, and walnuts for an eye-catching presentation. Toss it lightly just before serving, bringing everything together. This Pear Salad can be served immediately, showcasing a delightful mix of flavors and textures that celebrate the fall season.

Expert Tips for Pear Salad

Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest pears possible; their sweetness is key to a delicious pear salad. Avoid overly firm or mushy pears for the best flavor.
Nut Toasting: Be vigilant when toasting walnuts; they can burn quickly. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
Dressing Up: Dress your pear salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately to maintain freshness.
Customize Wisely: Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients! Swap feta for goat cheese or add apples; just remember to balance flavors with the dressing.
Serving Temperature: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This enhances the crispness of the greens and brightness of the pears, making your pear salad a hit!

How to Store and Freeze Pear Salad

Fridge: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled pear salad; the textures of greens and pears can become mushy when thawed.
Reheating: If you have leftover dressed salad, try to enjoy it fresh. If the greens are wilted, gently refresh them with a splash of new dressing before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad components in advance and store separately to make assembling your delicious pear salad quick and easy when it’s time to serve.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta in Maple Vinaigrette ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes during busy weeknights! You can chop the pears, toast the walnuts, and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to keep the dressing separate in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, combine the greens, pears, feta, cranberries, and walnuts, then add the dressing and toss gently to coat. This way, you can enjoy a vibrant, fresh salad that’s just as delicious as if you made it all at once!

What to Serve with Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta in Maple Vinaigrette?

A vibrant pear salad brings life to any occasion, but what sides or flavors can lift its brilliance even further?

Crispy Baked Chicken: The tenderness of juicy chicken paired with a crunchy skin complements the fresh and fruity salad without overwhelming it.
Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and earthy tones bring warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with the pear salad’s zingy maple dressing.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty, fluffy quinoa provides a hearty base that balances the lightness of the salad, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Warm Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread invites you to soak up the extra dressing, adding depth and texture to your dining experience.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing beverage highlights the fruity notes of the salad while providing a festive touch suitable for any gathering.
Chocolate-Drizzled Fruit Tart: For dessert, this sweet yet subtle treat draws on similar fruity themes to elevate the meal’s finale, leaving your guests wanting more.

Each pairing enhances the pear salad’s fresh and wholesome qualities, leading to a delightful dining experience that warms the heart and home.

Pear Salad Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this delightful Pear Salad your own with these fun twists and substitutions!

Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without nuts.
This swap makes the salad accessible for those with nut allergies while still adding a satisfying texture.
Cheese Options: Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese to experiment with different flavor profiles.
Both options provide a creamy texture and distinct taste, elevating your salad to new heights!
Sweetness Boost: Add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup to the vinaigrette for extra sweetness.
This little touch can enhance the overall flavor, perfect for those who love a sweeter salad finish.
Fruit Variations: Toss in sliced apples or pomegranate seeds for additional color and crunch.
These fruits not only brighten the dish visually but also introduce exciting flavors that align beautifully with pears.
Leafy Greens: Substitute the spring mix for baby spinach or arugula for a different leaf texture and flavor.
Both greens bring their unique tastes, offering you a new leafy experience with each bite.
Cranberry Alternatives: Replace dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries for a fresh twist.
Each option offers a different sweetness level and texture, keeping things interesting in your salad.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can be added for an aromatic boost.
Not only do they elevate the flavor, but they also add a delightful fragrance, making your salad more enticing!
Dressing Alternatives: Try using a honey mustard dressing instead of the maple vinaigrette for a richer taste.
This alternative offers a tangy sweetness that can make the entire dish pop, complementing the pears beautifully.

This Pear Salad pairs perfectly with other crowd-pleasers, such as Macaroni Pasta Salad or Bacon Pasta Salad, creating an impressive spread for your table!

Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta Recipe FAQs

What type of pears should I use?
For the best flavor and sweetness in your Pear Salad, I recommend using Bartlett or Anjou pears when they are ripe. Look for pears that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft. This ensures you have juicy, flavorful fruit that enhances your salad’s overall taste.

How should I store leftover Pear Salad?
Store the salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar to prevent the lettuce from wilting and maintain that fresh crunch. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.

Can I freeze the Pear Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for the Pear Salad as the textures of the greens and pears will become mushy upon thawing. However, if you have leftover toasted walnuts, you can store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely and separate them from other salad ingredients for best results.

What if my dressing is too thick?
If you find your dressing has thickened too much, simply whisk in a small amount of water or extra olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Be cautious not to over-dilute the flavor, though! A dash of extra vinegar can also help balance the thickness while enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Pear Salad is vegetarian-friendly and can be made gluten-free by ensuring all your ingredients, especially the mustard and vinegar, are labeled as such. If you’re concerned about allergies, remember that nuts (walnuts in this case) are a common allergen. You can leave them out entirely or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.

Can I make this Pear Salad in advance?
Definitely! You can prep the individual components a day in advance: wash and chop the greens, slice the pears, toast the walnuts, and mix the dressing. Store each component in separate containers in the fridge. Just remember to toss everything together and dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.