5-Star Reader Comment
This recipe is magical. Always a hit. I can’t figure out why it’s so amazing but it is!
Kay
From Weeknight Dinner to Dinner Party Star!
I love eating fresh seasonal ingredients, and this pear spinach salad recipe fits right into that plan. I have taken my favorite greens and added sweet, juicy pears, toasted pecans, Parmesan, and my homemade tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Y’all, it’s over-the-top delicious, plus it looks beautiful on the table. Don’t overthink this one—it comes together in minutes.
For this salad-loving girl, this recipe is:
- Simple but elegant – comes together in minutes yet feels special.
- Balanced flavors – pears add sweetness, balsamic gives tang, pecans bring crunch, and Parmesan ties it all together.
- Seasonal and fresh – perfect for fall entertaining or holiday meals.
Enjoy!
My Best Tips for Making Spinach Pear Salad
- Pretty pears, every time: Keep those barlett or bosc pear slices looking fresh with a quick dip in lemon water. No browning, no fuss.
- Shake it up: I love mixing the dressing in a mason jar—it’s easy to shake, store, and pour whenever you need it.
- Toast a little extra: While you’re at it, make extra pecans. They’re delicious sprinkled over yogurt, oatmeal, or even another salad later in the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Spinach – I like baby spinach for its tender texture, but any fresh spinach works.
- Pears – Anjou and Red pears are my go-to. Bartlett or Bosc are also delicious.
- Lemon Juice – keeps pears fresh and adds brightness.
- Toasted Pecans – that warm, nutty crunch is a must.
- Red Onion – thinly sliced for a touch of bite and color.
- Parmesan Cheese – freshly shredded is best.
- Homemade Balsamic Dressing – extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Simple Swaps to Make It Your Own
- Different Cheese – Swap Parmesan for blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese.
- Other Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, or my Southern candied pecans all work beautifully.
- Mix Up the Greens – Try arugula for a peppery bite or spring mixed greens for a softer base.
- Add Protein – roasted chicken, turkey, or even leftover holiday ham can turn this into a main dish.
- Fruit Twist – Add apple slices, strawberries, dried cranberries, or pomegranate arils for even more color and sweetness.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Prepare the Pears – Slice the pears and dip them into lemon water (1 cup water + juice of half a lemon) to prevent browning. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Toast the Pecans – Heat a skillet over medium, add pecans with a touch of butter, and toast 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle with salt and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, layer spinach, pears, onions, pecans, and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Vinaigrette – Shake together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Toss and Serve – Drizzle dressing over salad, toss gently, and serve right away.
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Ingredients
Pear And Spinach Salad
- 10 ounce package of fresh spinach
- 2 medium pears, sliced and prepped in lemon water
- ½ medium red onion, sliced
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
To Make The Salad
- Add spinach, sliced pears, toasted pecans, sliced red onion, and shredded Parmesan to a large bowl. Season salad with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over the balsamic vinaigrette. Gently toss the salad and serve immediately.
To Make The Dressing
- Add all ingredients to a jar. Place on lid and shake until blended.
Notes
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pecans. Toss in butter and toast for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove pan from heat, sprinkle with salt and let pecans cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts or almonds and toast them using the same method I use for pecans.
Nutrition
Serving Ideas for Pear and Spinach Salad
For a light lunch or simple dinner, I like to pair it with a bowl of mushroom soup or turkey chili and a slice of warm beer bread on the side. It’s perfect with a piece of grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin, for an easy dinner.
When I’m hosting a dinner party, this salad holds a special place on the table when served with baked pecan-crusted salmon or London broil. And for Christmas or Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect complement to roast turkey and baked ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it stays fresh up to one week.
For the freshest result, prep the ingredients in advance but wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving.
If you tried this Pear and Spinach Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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I made this and it was liked by the whole family. I am making this for Thanksgiving!! It is a real keeper!!
That makes me so happy to hear — and what an honor that you’re making it for Thanksgiving! It means so much to know it was a hit with the whole family. Definitely sounds like a keeper to me, too. Thank you for sharing!
~Donya
This recipe is magical. Always a hit. I can’t figure out why it’s so amazing but it is.
You’ve made my day, Kay! Thank you.
~Donya