Crisp Pear Salad with Greens, Walnuts & Creamy Cheese

Crisp Pear Salad with Greens, Walnuts & Creamy Cheese is a fresh and simple salad combining crisp pears, tender mixed greens, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese or blue cheese. Finished with a light honey-lemon dressing, this easy salad brings together sweet, savoury, creamy, and crunchy flavours in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups (120 g) mixed greens
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup (40 g) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 g) creamy cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced, optional
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, optional

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make Crisp Pear Salad

1. Toast the Walnuts

Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Salad

Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced pears evenly over the greens.

4. Add the Cheese

Crumble the goat cheese or blue cheese over the pears and mixed greens.

5. Add the Walnuts

Scatter the toasted walnuts over the salad. Add the thinly sliced red onion and dried cranberries if using.

6. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.

7. Toss & Serve

Gently toss everything together, taking care not to break up the pears or cheese too much. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Pear Salad

• Choose ripe but firm pears: They should be sweet and juicy while still holding their shape when sliced.
• Toast the walnuts: A few minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavour and gives the salad extra crunch.
• Add the dressing just before serving: This keeps the greens fresh and crisp.
• Choose your favourite cheese: Goat cheese gives a creamy, tangy flavour, while blue cheese adds a stronger savoury character.
• Keep the pears intact: Toss gently so the slices stay attractive and the cheese doesn’t break down too much.

Serving Suggestions

This pear salad makes a light lunch, starter, or side dish. The combination of crisp fruit, creamy cheese, toasted walnuts, and honey-lemon dressing also makes it a lovely addition to a dinner table or casual gathering.

For the prettiest presentation, arrange the pear slices over the greens before adding the cheese and walnuts, then drizzle the dressing over the top immediately before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cheese works best in this salad?

The recipe suggests either goat cheese or blue cheese. Both pair well with the sweetness of the pears and honey dressing.

Can I leave out the red onion?

Yes. The red onion is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder salad.

Are the dried cranberries necessary?

No. The dried cranberries are optional and can be left out.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

The walnuts and dressing can be prepared ahead, but the salad is best assembled and dressed just before serving.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	3 minutes
Total Time	13 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	Approx. 285 per serving
Protein	Approx. 7g per serving

Final Thoughts

Crisp Pear Salad with Greens, Walnuts & Creamy Cheese is a quick, colourful salad that needs just a handful of simple ingredients. Sweet pears, creamy cheese, toasted walnuts, and a bright honey-lemon dressing come together for a fresh combination that’s easy enough for a weekday meal but lovely enough for entertaining.

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