Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant salad that perfectly wraps up the flavors of the season, this Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe is going to be your new go-to. What I love most about this salad is how effortlessly it comes together—just a handful of ingredients and a quick whisk of dressing, and you’ve got a beautiful, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something light and comforting for lunch, this salad nails it every time.

When I first tried this Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe, I was surprised at how the sweet pears and tangy gorgonzola cheese played so well with crunchy pecans and peppery greens. It’s that delightful mix of textures and tastes that keeps my family coming back for seconds. Plus, since it’s a no-cook salad, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy seasonal flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe brings something special to the bowl. Choosing ripe pears and good-quality gorgonzola really makes a difference.

• Red wine vinegar: Its sharpness balances the sweetness of the pears beautifully.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dressing.
• Honey: Just a touch sweetens the vinaigrette without overpowering it.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Fresh ground pepper: Adds warmth and complexity to the dressing.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Ripe pears: Peeled and diced, they provide juicy sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
• Gorgonzola cheese: Crumbled to add creamy, tangy depth to the salad.
• Mixed baby greens: A mix of spinach, arugula, radicchio, or your favorite lettuces for freshness and color.
• Pecans: Toasted if you can, for added crunch and nuttiness.

Variations

This Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe is super adaptable—I love tweaking it based on what’s in my fridge or to fit different dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Add Crunch: I sometimes swap pecans with walnuts or candied pecans for a sweeter twist, and my guests love the surprise texture.
• Cheese Swap: Instead of gorgonzola, you can use feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
• Make it Heartier: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas—it’s a trick that’s saved dinner more than once!
• Vegan Version: Leave out the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey, plus sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for richness.

How to Make Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and fresh ground pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these well, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a smooth, balanced vinaigrette. I discovered this trick after a few messy dressings—it really helps blend the flavors nicely without any oily separation.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a larger salad bowl, gently toss together your baby greens, peeled and diced pears, crumbled gorgonzola, and pecans. I like to use my hands for this; it’s the best way to keep the pears intact while mixing the ingredients evenly. Make sure your pears are ripe but firm—too soft can make the salad soggy.

Step 3: Dress and Serve Immediately

When you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything carefully to coat the leaves without bruising. This salad shines brightest when it’s fresh, so I don’t recommend making it too far in advance with the dressing on—it keeps the greens crisp and the flavors vibrant.

How to Serve Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—extra crumbled gorgonzola and a few whole pecan halves scattered on top add a nice visual appeal and burst of flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness that makes the salad feel even more festive.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, cozy dishes like butternut squash soup or roasted chicken. I’ve also served it alongside my favorite crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a simple yet elegant fall meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to plate this Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe in individual clear glasses or small mason jars layered beautifully for a fancy touch. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and makes plating stress-free when you’re entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately whenever you can—keep the dressing in a sealed jar and the greens away from moisture. This helps to keep everything fresh for up to two days. Mixed together, the salad wilted pretty quickly in my experience.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe because the fresh greens and pears change texture after thawing. It’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Since it contains fresh greens and cheese, I skip reheating leftovers altogether—just toss and enjoy chilled or slightly warmed room temperature.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Salad with Pears Recipe has become one of those dependable dishes I turn to when I want something quick, healthy, and full of seasonal charm. It’s simple but feels special, making it perfect for both busy weekdays and laid-back gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like savoring autumn on a plate, every single time.

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