As the crisp autumn air sets in and the leaves turn golden, I find myself craving the warmth of hearty flavors. One afternoon, while dreaming up a perfect fall dish, I discovered a delightful combination that captures the essence of the season: the Smoky Seared Pear and Blue Cheese Salad. Imagine biting into tender, caramelized pears, their sweetness beautifully balanced by the creamy tang of blue cheese. The surprise crunch of candied pumpkin seeds adds a delightful twist, bringing both sweetness and nutrition to the table.
This salad is not only an attention-grabbing side for holiday gatherings, but it’s also a versatile dish that can transform into a satisfying dinner with the addition of grilled chicken or crispy bacon. With its ease of preparation and unique blend of flavors, this pear salad is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Join me as we indulge in the cozy comfort of autumn with every nourishing bite!
Why is this Pear Salad so special?
Flavor Explosion: The smoky pears meld perfectly with the creamy blue cheese for a truly delightful experience.
Crunchy Surprise: Candied pumpkin seeds add that irresistible crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Seasonal Freshness: Embrace fall flavors with ingredients that celebrate the harvest.
Easily Adaptable: This recipe can easily transition from a side dish to a main event by adding grilled proteins.
Quick Preparation: With simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet salad ready in no time.
Impressive Presentation: Beautifully plated, this salad is a showstopper for any holiday gathering or dinner party!
Pear Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Gives a rich flavor while searing the pears; avocado oil is a suitable substitute.
• Bartlett pears (2 medium) – Their sweetness shines when seared; opt for ripe but firm pears for the best texture.
• Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors; feel free to use regular salt, adjusting to your taste preference.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth and mild spice to the salad.
• Frisée lettuce (9 oz.) or romaine hearts (2 medium) – Serves as a crisp base, providing freshness and volume.
• Crumbled blue cheese (2/3 cup) – Delivers creamy tang; replace with feta or ricotta salata for a varied flavor.
For the Candied Pumpkins Seeds
• Shelled pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup) – Offers a nutritious crunch; sunflower seeds can be used for a twist.
• Granulated sugar (2 Tbsp) – Essential for creating sweet, crunchy pumpkin seeds.
For the Vinaigrette
• Honey (4 tsp) – Adds natural sweetness to the vinaigrette; maple syrup is a wonderful substitute.
• Apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar (3 Tbsp, divided) – Brings the perfect acidity to balance flavors; red wine vinegar works as well.
Embrace the goodness in this Pear Salad that’s bursting with flavor and seasonal charm!
How to Make Pear Salad
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Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mix together 4 teaspoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly whisk in 5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
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Candy the Pumpkin Seeds: In a skillet over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of shelled pumpkin seeds with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the seeds are thoroughly coated. Transfer the seeds to parchment paper to cool and harden.
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Sear the Pears: Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your quartered Bartlett pears and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, cooking until they’re golden brown and slightly tender.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss together 9 ounces of frisée lettuce (or 2 medium romaine hearts) with the prepared dressing. Gently fold in the seared pears, candied pumpkin seeds, and 2/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese until combined.
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Serve: Plate the salad immediately and enjoy this delightful, gourmet experience—a perfect addition to your autumn gatherings!
Optional: Drizzle a bit more honey over the salad before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pear Salad Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful salad and make it uniquely yours!
- Feta Swap: Replace blue cheese with crumbled feta for a lighter, tangy flavor that brightens each bite.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon to transform this salad into a hearty main course.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of richness and crunch that pairs beautifully with pears.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for a delightful touch of heat that offsets the sweetness.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or figs for an additional sweetness and chewy texture that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Vinaigrette Twist: Experiment with flavored vinegars, like raspberry or balsamic, for a unique dressing that can change the salad’s whole profile.
- Greens Variation: Try using spinach or arugula instead of frisée or romaine for a different texture and flavor that still supports the other ingredients.
- Herbal Freshness: Add freshly chopped herbs like mint or basil for a burst of freshness that elevates the eating experience.
With these variations, your Pear Salad can evolve each time you make it, allowing you to enjoy a new culinary adventure!
How to Store and Freeze Pear Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover pear salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Candied Pumpkin Seeds: Store the cooled candied pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them crunchy and delightful.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dressing and candied seeds up to a week in advance. Just combine them with the salad components when you’re ready to enjoy this lovely pearl salad!
Reheating: If using grilled chicken or crispy bacon, reheat those separately in the oven or a skillet before adding them to the salad for serving.
What to Serve with Smoky Seared Pear and Blue Cheese Salad?
This delightful salad is just the start of a fabulous meal that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
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Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken pair beautifully with the sweetness of the pears, creating a satisfying mains dish that will elevate your dinner.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A light and nutty quinoa pilaf adds a hearty base while its fluffy texture complements the creamy blue cheese beautifully.
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Crispy Bacon: Adding crispy bacon provides a delightful contrast—a savory crunch that enhances the salad’s flavors while providing a satisfying meaty element.
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Spicy Nuts: A sprinkle of spicy nuts, like candied pecans or roasted almonds, adds a nice heat and crunch, making every bite of the salad even more engaging.
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Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra vinaigrette. Its crispy exterior and aromatic flavor make it a lovely companion.
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Apple Cider: Complement the meal with a glass of chilled apple cider. Its sweet and tart notes resonate with the salad’s ingredients.
Indulge in this seasonal feast, allowing the unique blend of textures and flavors to transport you to a cozy autumn evening.
Expert Tips for Pear Salad
- Choose Ripe Pears: Select Bartlett pears that are ripe yet firm to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and texture when seared.
- Avoid Overcooking: Sear pears just until golden and slightly tender; overcooking can lead to mushy results that don’t hold up in the salad.
- Keep Dressing Fresh: If making ahead, store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator and shake well before using for the best flavor in your pear salad.
- Customize with Proteins: To make the salad a complete meal, feel free to add grilled chicken or crispy bacon for added heartiness.
- Monitor Sugar for Seeds: When candying pumpkin seeds, stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve an even coating—perfect for that crunchy texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Smoky Seared Pear and Blue Cheese Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dressing and candied pumpkin seeds up to one week in advance. Simply combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and refrigerate, shaking well before serving. For the candied pumpkin seeds, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The pears can be seared up to 24 hours ahead; just make sure to cool them before storing in the fridge to preserve their texture. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the salad by tossing the lettuce with the dressing, adding the pears, candied seeds, and crumbled blue cheese. With these make ahead steps, you’ll enjoy delicious, stress-free gatherings!
Pear Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of pears should I use for this salad?
Absolutely! For this pear salad, I recommend using Bartlett pears. Look for pears that are ripe but still firm, as they sear beautifully while retaining their shape. Ripe pears offer the perfect sweetness to complement the blue cheese.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your pear salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the greens. This way, your salad will last for up to 3 days!
Can I freeze this salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled salad since the texture of the lettuce and pears can become mushy once thawed. However, you can freeze the candied pumpkin seeds! Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before using.
What if my pears are overcooked?
No worries! If your pears turn out too mushy, you can still salvage the salad by adding some crunch from additional candied seeds or nuts. Alternatively, try adding grilled chicken or crispy bacon to balance the texture and enhance the flavor of your pear salad.
Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! You can easily make this pear salad nut-free by omitting the candied pumpkin seeds. Just substitute them with additional crunch from seeds like sunflower seeds or even add some toasted bread crumbs for extra texture without the nuts.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Very! To save time, you can prepare the dressing and candy the pumpkin seeds up to a week in advance. Just store the dressing in the fridge and the cooled seeds at room temperature in an airtight container. Combine everything together just before serving for the freshest taste!
Savory Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Crunchy Candied Seeds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mix together honey, vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
- Candy the Pumpkin Seeds: In a skillet, combine pumpkin seeds with granulated sugar. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and seeds are coated.
- Sear the Pears: In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sear quartered pears for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly tender.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss frisée lettuce (or romaine) with the dressing. Fold in seared pears, candied pumpkin seeds, and blue cheese.
- Serve: Plate salad immediately. Optionally drizzle more honey over the top before serving.