Golden Harvest Pear Salad

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness enters the air, our palates naturally crave flavors that embody the spirit of autumn. There’s something inherently comforting about seasonal ingredients, and few combinations sing of fall quite like sweet, juicy pears and vibrant, fresh greens. This Autumn Pear Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience, bringing together a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your senses and become a staple in your fall menu rotation.

Imagine tender spring mixed greens forming the perfect bed for luscious pear slices, bursts of sweet blueberries, and the delightful crunch of candied pecans. All of this is elegantly topped with creamy, tangy feta cheese and brought to life with a homemade honey mustard dressing that is simply divine. It’s a salad that feels gourmet yet remains incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for everything from a quick weeknight meal to an impressive holiday appetizer.

This Autumn Pear Salad is truly a celebration of seasonal bounty. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors: the subtle sweetness of pears and blueberries, the savory tang of feta, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the zesty, herbaceous notes from the homemade dressing. It’s a versatile dish that brightens any table and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon.

If you’re eager to explore more vibrant and delicious salad recipes, consider trying our Mexican Street Corn Salad for a zesty kick, or the refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta for a taste of summer any time of year.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Autumn Pear Salad

Discover the compelling reasons why this exquisite Autumn Pear Salad will quickly become one of your favorite dishes:

• A Delicious Homemade Salad Dressing: Forget store-bought dressings! Our simple yet sensational honey mustard vinaigrette is crafted with wholesome ingredients like rich olive oil, bright white vinegar, golden honey, pungent Dijon mustard, and a hint of fragrant oregano. This perfectly balanced dressing enhances the natural flavors of the fruit and vegetables, adding a gourmet touch that truly elevates the entire salad. Making it from scratch also means you control the quality and freshness of every component.
• An Effortlessly Easy Fall Salad: In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both healthy and quick to prepare is a game-changer. This Autumn Pear Salad requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and comes together in a matter of minutes. From prepping the ingredients to mixing the dressing and assembling the final dish, the process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• The Irresistible Combination of Feta and Pears: This pairing might sound unexpected to some, but it’s a flavor match made in culinary heaven. The creamy, salty, and slightly tangy notes of crumbled feta cheese beautifully complement the sweet, delicate flesh of ripe pears. The contrast in textures and tastes creates a dynamic and utterly delightful experience with every forkful. It’s a sophisticated combination that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Packed with Nutrients and Flavor: Beyond its delightful taste, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Fresh mixed greens provide essential vitamins and minerals, while pears offer fiber and antioxidants. Blueberries are renowned for their antioxidant properties, and pecans contribute healthy fats and protein. It’s a wholesome meal or side dish that nourishes your body while tantalizing your taste buds.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of green, red (from the pear skin), deep blue, and white create a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for entertaining. It’s a feast for the eyes before it’s a feast for the palate, making it a wonderful addition to any festive table or casual gathering.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this incredible Autumn Pear Salad starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Greens – A robust blend of mixed greens, offering a variety of textures and subtle bitter notes, along with thinly sliced purple onion for a sharp, peppery bite. Choose a spring mix or a blend with arugula for extra flavor.
• Fruits – Sweet, juicy blueberries that burst with flavor, and perfectly ripe pears. The pears are the star here, offering a delicate sweetness and crisp-tender texture that defines the salad.
• Cheese – Crumbled Feta cheese, providing a salty, tangy, and creamy counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts.
• Nuts – Crunchy candied pecans, adding a delightful sweetness and buttery richness. These can be easily substituted with regular pecans or even walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Dressing Components – A classic homemade vinaigrette blend of high-quality Olive Oil, zesty white vinegar, natural honey for sweetness, a pinch of salt and pepper, pungent Dijon mustard for a kick, and dried oregano for aromatic depth.

When selecting your ingredients, always opt for the freshest produce available. Ripe, fragrant pears and plump, firm blueberries will make a significant difference in the final taste of your salad.

Crafting Your Autumn Pear Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful Autumn Pear Salad is remarkably simple. Follow these easy steps to bring this vibrant dish to life:

• Prepare the Homemade Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, white vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang. Set aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Assemble the Salad Base: Begin by placing your fresh mixed greens into a large salad bowl. Ensure the greens are clean and dry, as excess moisture can dilute the dressing. Evenly distribute the thinly sliced purple onion over the greens, adding a subtle sharpness to the base.
• Add the Star Ingredients: Next, arrange the beautifully sliced pears, plump blueberries, crunchy candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese over the bed of greens and onions. Distribute them thoughtfully to ensure a balanced flavor and visual appeal in every serving.
• Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle your freshly made honey mustard dressing generously over the assembled salad. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and most vibrant flavors.

Remember, the key to a perfect salad is freshness and balance. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the dressing to your preference!

Expert Recipe Notes and Handy Tips

Elevate your Autumn Pear Salad with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Pecan Perfection: You have flexibility with your pecans! While candied pecans add a wonderful sweetness and extra crunch, regular toasted pecans will also offer a delightful texture and nutty flavor. For a quick candied pecan, simply toss them in a pan with a little butter and brown sugar until caramelized.
• Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your preference or readily available, feel free to swap them out for walnuts. Toasted walnuts offer a slightly different, earthier flavor that pairs equally well with pears and feta, adding another layer of complexity to the salad.
• Make-Ahead Dressing: The homemade honey mustard dressing is incredibly versatile and stores beautifully. Prepare a larger batch and keep it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It’s fantastic with this pear salad, but also excellent on other green salads, as a marinade, or even as a dip for chicken tenders.
• Seasonal Fruit Twist: For an added burst of color and a tart counterpoint to the sweet pears and blueberries, consider swapping the blueberries for fresh pomegranate seeds (arils). Their juicy, ruby-red gems are particularly festive and add a lovely crunch during the holiday season.
• Pear Preparation is Key: To prevent your pear slices from browning, cut them just before assembling and serving the salad. If you must slice them in advance, toss them gently in a little lemon juice to preserve their fresh appearance. This simple trick ensures your salad always looks its best.
• Preventing a Soggy Salad: Always dress the salad just before serving. Adding the dressing too far in advance will cause the greens to wilt and become soggy, diminishing the crisp texture that makes a great salad. If preparing for a potluck, pack the dressing separately and add it right before it’s time to eat.
• Serving Temperature: For optimal flavor and enjoyment, ensure all your ingredients are chilled. A crisp, cool salad is far more refreshing and satisfying.
• Boosting Protein: To transform this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Autumn Pear Salad

Here are some common questions to help you perfect your Autumn Pear Salad:

What’s the best type of pear to use for this salad?

Both Anjou pears and Bartlett pears are excellent choices for this salad due to their firm yet juicy texture and sweet flavor. Anjou pears have a slightly thicker skin which is still tender enough to be eaten without peeling, offering a lovely red or green hue. Bartlett pears are classically sweet and fragrant. Ultimately, the best pear to use is what’s available and ripe at your local market. Look for pears that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end, indicating ripeness. Most pear varieties will work beautifully, so feel free to experiment with Bosc or Comice pears for subtle flavor variations.

Can I use other types of cheese besides feta?

Absolutely! Pears are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a range of cheeses. While creamy, mild feta provides a delightful salty tang, you have several excellent alternatives to explore. Consider nutty Parmesan shavings for a more savory profile, sharp and pungent Gorgonzola or blue cheese for those who love a bold flavor, or tangy goat cheese for a creamy and bright addition. Each cheese will bring its unique character to the salad, allowing you to customize it to your personal preference or what you have on hand.

Using mixed greens for this Autumn Pear Salad: What are the benefits?

Mixed greens are a fantastic choice for this Autumn Pear Salad, and I often keep a box in my fridge for quick, nutritious meals. They offer a diverse range of textures and subtle flavors, providing a robust base for the sweeter elements of the salad. Beyond their culinary appeal, mixed greens are packed with essential nutrients, making them a healthy foundation for any meal. Each serving typically provides a generous dose of Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and immune function; Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant; and Vitamin K, vital for blood clotting and bone health. Furthermore, they are an excellent source of folate, important for cell growth, and potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance. If your mixed greens blend includes a higher proportion of spinach, you’ll also benefit from additional plant-based iron and a small boost of protein, contributing even more to your daily dietary needs. It’s a simple way to add significant nutritional value and freshness to your diet.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent sogginess, you can certainly prepare components in advance. The honey mustard dressing can be made and stored in the refrigerator for several days. You can wash and dry your mixed greens, slice your purple onion, and even candy your pecans a day or two ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the pears (to prevent browning) and combine everything with the dressing.

Is this salad suitable for a main course?

This Autumn Pear Salad makes a fantastic light lunch or a refreshing side dish. However, to transform it into a more substantial main course, consider adding a lean protein. Grilled chicken or turkey breast, seared salmon, or a handful of roasted chickpeas or lentils would be excellent additions. For a vegetarian or vegan main, add some quinoa or wild rice to boost the protein and fiber content, making it a truly satisfying meal.

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Autumn Pear Salad, you might love exploring these other delightful salad creations:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta: A classic combination of sweet berries, tender spinach, and tangy feta, perfect for spring and summer.
• Avocado Mango Salad: A tropical explosion of creamy avocado and sweet mango, ideal for a refreshing side.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A zesty and flavorful salad inspired by the popular elote, great for barbecues and potlucks.

I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share, and that this delicious Autumn Pear Salad recipe becomes a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Please do give it a try, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family!

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Autumn Pear Salad

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This Autumn Pear Salad is incredibly flavorful and simple to prepare. It features a delightful mix of fresh salad greens, sweet pears and blueberries, all crowned with crunchy candied pecans and creamy feta cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 5 oz. Spring mixed greens
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 2 pears, sliced
• 1/3 cup purple onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup candied pecans

DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsps. white vinegar
• 2 tbsps. honey
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsps. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined to create a smooth vinaigrette.
2. Prepare your fresh produce: thinly slice the purple onion and then slice the pears just before assembly to prevent browning.
3. In a large salad bowl, first lay down the mixed greens. Then, artfully arrange the sliced pears, onions, blueberries, candied pecans, and crumbled feta over the greens.
4. Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing generously over the assembled salad. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately for best results.

Notes

• You can use either candied or regular pecans; both provide a wonderful crunch.
• Walnuts make an excellent substitute for pecans if preferred.
• The homemade dressing keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be used with other salads.
• For a festive twist, swap blueberries for pomegranate seeds.
• Slice pears right before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent browning.
• To avoid a soggy salad, dress it just before you plan to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27.2g | Saturated Fat: 5.6g | Sodium: 394mg | Sugar: 20.4g