Name: Fresh Pear Salad with Crunchy Candied Pecans & Tangy Balsamic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced; 5 cups mixed greens or arugula; 1 cup pecan halves; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp butter; 0.25 tsp salt (divided); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

I love making Fresh Pear Salad with Crunchy Candied Pecans & Tangy Balsamic when I want something light, elegant, and full of contrasting textures. The sweetness of ripe pears, the crunch of candied pecans, and the bright balsamic dressing create a salad that feels refreshing yet satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors beautifully. The pears add natural sweetness, the candied pecans bring crunch, and the balsamic dressing ties everything together with a bright finish. I also enjoy how quickly it comes together while still feeling special enough for entertaining. Fresh Pear Salad with Crunchy Candied Pecans & Tangy Balsamic

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe pears
mixed greens or arugula
pecans
granulated sugar
butter
salt

olive oil
balsamic vinegar
honey
Dijon mustard
salt
black pepper

crumbled goat cheese or feta

Directions

I start by preparing the candied pecans. I melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt, and add the pecans. I cook until the sugar melts and coats the nuts evenly, then spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden.

I whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

I arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter and top them with thinly sliced pears. I sprinkle the cooled candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top.

I drizzle the balsamic dressing just before serving and toss gently if needed.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add dried cranberries for extra sweetness and color. When I want more protein, I top the salad with grilled chicken. I also enjoy swapping goat cheese for blue cheese for a stronger flavor.

storage/reheating

I store the components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. I assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Fresh Pear Salad with Crunchy Candied Pecans & Tangy Balsamic

FAQs

What type of pears work best?

I prefer ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold their shape.

Can I make the candied pecans ahead of time?

I often prepare them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Is this salad good for holidays?

I find it perfect for holiday gatherings because it feels fresh and festive.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I keep pears from browning?

I toss the sliced pears lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Conclusion

I keep Fresh Pear Salad with Crunchy Candied Pecans & Tangy Balsamic in my rotation because it’s fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Every time I make it, it feels like a simple way to elevate everyday ingredients into something vibrant and memorable.