I can't believe what I'm about to say, but will be your new favorite salad! Even though the Pear Salad Vinaigrette is so simple, it's packed with light, savory, fruity flavors.
If you love a salad that features a slight sweetness, this recipe is definitely for you. It just might make your whole family beg for a salad for dinner-imagine that!
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Pear vinaigrette
✔️ This vinaigrette is so versatile-it pairs so well with a variety of simple salad choices!
✔️ There are plenty of ways to switch up this salad to fit what you have in your pantry or what you're craving.
✔️ The tasty salad dressing is ready in minutes and doesn't require any fancy equipment. Super easy!
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Mince the shallot. Grate the clove of garlic and half of the pear. Add everything into a large mixing bowl or screw-top jar.
- Next, add the honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while whisking. (If you are making this in a jar, pour in the olive oil and shake vigorously to emulsify the vinaigrette .
- Slice the remaining half of the pear.
- Chop or tear the romaine. Add the lettuce and sliced pears to the large mixing bowl. Toss the salad with the salad dressing.
- Plate on a serving platter or pretty bowl. Top the salad with candied pecans and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Video
Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips!
Don't have time to watch the whole video? Check out the YouTube short here!
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Equipment
- Micro plane grater
- Mason jar (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Pretty serving platter or bowl
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FAQ's
Yes! Fresh pears are essential to getting the consistency of textures. I highly recommend using regular ripe pears over canned pears-it's just not the same!
You've got plenty of options. Pair romaine lettuce with some arugula for a savory, peppery kick. Or, add spinach for some bulk with a milder flavor.
It all comes down to how thoroughly you mix it together. Shake it up in a mason jar-hard. Otherwise, whisk it 'til your arm feels like it'll fall off! You can also whip it up in a mini food processor if you have one, but it's not a necessity.
Dressings tend to separate because they're a blend of liquids with different densities-and that's okay. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving again.
Top Tip
When shopping, be sure to choose crunchy pears to use in this recipe-don't be afraid to squeeze 'em. Trust me, the flavor and texture of a salad are ten times better with firm, crisp fruit!
- Whisk the dressing really well (or use a blender) to emulsify the oil and vinegar. This creates a creamy, smooth texture that'll evenly coat your greens.
- Be sure to use a garlic press or grater, to mince the garlic.
- I like to mix up homemade dressing in a mason jar so I can store it in the fridge immediately. No fuss, no mess!
- Add the dressing to your salad just before serving to keep the lettuce nice and crisp!
- Try using this vinaigrette recipe as a marinade to give your other weeknight dinners an extra kick-it's great with light proteins like fish or scallops.
Variations
Experiment with different ingredients to add subtle flavor to your vinaigrette, or use up what you already have.
For example, you can swap garlic powder in place of fresh garlic for a milder taste. On the other hand, consider using red pepper flakes instead of black pepper for more of a kick. If you don't have apple cider vinegar in your pantry, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or lemon juice will work in its place!
Additionally, maple syrup will work instead of honey if you've got one and not the other. Some people like to add a teaspoon or so of Dijon mustard for extra tang-experiment and see what you like!
Then, feel free to top your salad with almost anything else you're craving! Grilled chicken slices, pomegranate seeds, pepitas, blue cheese crumbles, and goat cheese all go well with the flavor of pear.
Finally, for extra sweet and nutty flavor, swap the candied pecans with candied walnuts. You really can't go wrong with this salad, no matter which way you top it.
Storage
Refrigerate-Store pear vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Related recipes
- Classic Homemade Salad Vinaigrette is always stocked in my fridge so that I can enjoy a tasty salad anytime the craving hits!
- Throw all your favorite ingredients together in this Chop Salad to make a filling yet quick weeknight dinner-you won't miss the meat!
- Cucumber Tomato Salad hits the spot on hot days-it's refreshing, and I love the creamy burst of flavor from the feta crumbles.
Serve the Pear Vinaigrette Salad with
The Shake 'n Bake Pork Chops pair so well with this vinaigrette salad recipe and sound great as tonight's dinner! These puffy Dinner Rolls are a must make alongside.
If you find this Pear Vinaigrette recipe simply delicious, please leave a rating to let me know!
Pear Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium red pear or bosc pear you want a firm crisp pear.
- 1 garlic clove grated
- ½ medium shallot minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 medium head of romaine lettuce
- ½ cup praline pecans lightly chopped
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Mince the shallot and add to a mason jar with a screw-top lid. Next using a microplane, grate the clove of garlic and half of the pear into the jar.
- Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Next, drizzle the olive oil into the jar. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously. This will emulsify the dressing.*
- For the salad - Chop or tear the romaine. Add to a large mixing bowl. Toss the salad with the salad dressing.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the salad. Thinly slice the remaining half of the pear add it to the top of the salad along with the candied pecans. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the salad again and plate. Serve immediately.
L says
This is just the best!!! We love it. Easy to make too.
Kim says
This truly is **the BEST** salad I’ve EVER eaten!! Thank you so much for sharing this gem of a recipe.
Debra Clark says
You are so welcome!! Hands down, this is so bright and fresh. I appreciate the feedback Kim!!!