Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette Recipe
If you are craving something fresh, elegant, and bursting with flavor, the Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette is exactly what you need. This salad effortlessly combines the juicy sweetness of ripe pears with the peppery bite of arugula, all brought together by a luxuriously creamy walnut vinaigrette that adds a perfect richness without overpowering the delicate ingredients. It is a stunning dish that dazzles on any table, especially when you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or just treat yourself to a vibrant, wholesome meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad highlights how a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a vital role—from the crisp pears offering natural sweetness to the sharp tang of blue cheese and the earthy crunch of walnuts. The creamy walnut vinaigrette wraps it all up with a silky texture and nutty depth that is simply irresistible.
- Pears (2-3 ripe but firm): Choose pears that are perfectly ripe yet firm to hold their shape when sliced.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Prevents pear slices from browning and adds a fresh hint of citrus.
- 4 cups arugula or baby lettuce: Provides a peppery, tender bed for the salad’s toppings.
- 4 tablespoons walnuts: Adds crunch and a deep, nutty flavor essential to the vinaigrette and topping.
- 4-8 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola: Delivers creamy saltiness that complements the sweetness of the pear.
- Dressing ingredients: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons walnuts, 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup walnut oil, salt, and black pepper – these combine to make the luscious creamy walnut vinaigrette that defines this dish.
How to Make Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by gathering your ingredients for the vinaigrette. Combine Dijon mustard, walnuts, and white wine vinegar in a food processor. Pulse for about a minute to break down the walnuts, creating a rough paste. Then, with the machine running, slowly drizzle in walnut oil through the opening to emulsify the mixture. This slow addition is key to achieving a silky, creamy texture. Once all the oil is incorporated, scrape down the sides and continue processing until completely smooth. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This dressing is truly the star that pulls the salad together with its rich, nutty flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Pears
For the best presentation and texture, slice your ripe but firm pears into 1/4-inch thick slices. Using a mandoline slicer here works wonders for consistent, delicate slices that look beautiful when fanned out on the plate. Immediately after slicing, sprinkle the pears with fresh lemon juice to keep their bright, inviting color and prevent any browning. Ensuring all surfaces are coated will keep them looking fresh and appetizing.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Arrange a generous handful of arugula on each serving plate as a peppery green base. Next, artfully stack and fan out the pear slices atop the greens, creating a visually stunning centerpiece. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese evenly over each salad for textural contrast and bursts of flavor. Finally, drizzle your luscious creamy walnut vinaigrette generously over the entire plate, making sure every bite is coated in that irresistible dressing. Finish with a twist of fresh black pepper and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette
Garnishes
To elevate the Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette even more, consider sprinkling toasted walnut halves or pecan pieces on top for added crunch and aroma. A few fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or a sprinkle of microgreens can add a pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the nutty dressing beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with rustic grilled chicken or a warm loaf of crusty bread. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside roasted butternut squash or a sharp cheddar cheese platter to balance the sweetness of the pears and richness of the blue cheese and walnuts.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider layering pear slices and arugula in individual glass jars for charming, personalized servings. Alternatively, you can drape the pears over a bed of mixed greens in a large serving bowl and drizzle the creamy walnut vinaigrette tableside, allowing guests to customize their portions. The vibrant colors and textures make this salad a true conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette, store the salad components separately for the best freshness. Keep the pear slices in an airtight container with lemon juice to prevent discoloration, and refrigerate the vinaigrette in a sealed jar. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens and the pears.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing, as the delicate pears, crispy greens, and creamy dressing do not freeze well and can become watery or mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad designed to be fresh and crisp, reheating is not advised. If you want to repurpose leftovers, consider using the components in a wrap or as a topping for warm toasted bread, but avoid heating the salad directly to preserve its textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a distinct tangy creaminess, you can swap it for goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamy flavor that still pairs beautifully with the pears and walnuts.
What if I don’t have walnut oil for the vinaigrette?
If walnut oil is unavailable, you can substitute with extra-virgin olive oil, though the vinaigrette will have a different flavor profile. For the nutty essence, adding a small amount of finely chopped toasted walnuts can help replicate that depth.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the creamy walnut vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling, as natural separation may occur.
What’s the best type of pear to use in this salad?
Bosc or Anjou pears work wonderfully here because they are firm enough to slice neatly and hold their shape, while still offering juicy sweetness. Avoid overly ripe pears that can become mushy.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Definitely! This Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette is naturally vegetarian-friendly, featuring nuts, fresh produce, and cheese to provide protein and rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette is a game-changer when you want something that looks as good as it tastes and delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to grace your holiday table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad to share with family and friends!
