If you’ve ever wondered how to effortlessly combine sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors all in one delightful dish, this Pear Brie Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad that brings together the juicy freshness of ripe pears, the luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture of Brie cheese, and the perfect crunch of candied pecans or walnuts. Tossed with a vibrant honey-Dijon dressing, every bite feels like a celebration of fall on your plate. This salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience that’s quick to make and irresistibly satisfying, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Pear Brie Salad Recipe is a breeze because each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. From the peppery bite of mixed greens to the sweet punch of dried cranberries, every ingredient is essential to making this salad shine.
- 6 cups mixed greens: A refreshing base of arugula, spinach, and baby romaine gives the salad crispness and color contrast.
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced: These add natural sweetness and soft juiciness—just make sure they’re perfectly ripe for the best flavor.
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small wedges or cubes: The creamy cheese introduces a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts: Their crunch and caramelized sweetness elevate every forkful.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries: These bring a tart, chewy element that balances the salad’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced: A slight sharpness that adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For the dressing’s smooth, fruity base.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Gives a bright acidity to lift all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds subtle sweetness to the dressing, complementing the pears and Brie.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: To season everything perfectly and bring out individual flavors.
How to Make Pear Brie Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dressing
Start by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. This balanced honey-Dijon vinaigrette is the magic sauce that brings harmony to the salad, gently coating every leaf and ingredient with a tangy, sweet glaze.
Step 2: Combining the Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, add your mixed greens, then gently fold in the thinly sliced pears that have kept their fresh color by tossing briefly in lemon juice if desired. Next, add the Brie cubes, candied pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion slices. This layered combination ensures every mouthful gets a bit of everything.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
Right before serving, drizzle your dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. Be careful to coat all the ingredients without bruising the delicate greens or mashing the Brie. Serve immediately to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors at their peak freshness.
How to Serve Pear Brie Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can elevate your presentation and taste. Consider sprinkling a few additional candied nuts on top for that wow factor or a couple of fresh thyme leaves for subtle herbal aroma. Thin slivers of fresh pear on the side make the salad look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Pear Brie Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm baguette or crusty bread to scoop up the dressing and cheese. For a more substantial meal, grilled chicken or seared salmon complement the salad’s flavors superbly without overshadowing its delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic vibe or plate individual servings on chilled plates for an elegant touch. Layering the ingredients in a glass trifle dish creates a striking visual. You could even turn it into pretty salad wraps using large lettuce leaves or add edible flowers for a fresh, festive feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately if possible—the greens can wilt when dressed. Keep the prepared dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The salad without dressing should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about one day, but the pears are best eaten fresh to avoid browning and sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh greens and pears lose their texture and become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the candied nuts and Brie if needed, but fresh is always better for this elegant Pear Brie Salad Recipe.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here—this salad is designed to be enjoyed fresh and cool. If you add a warm protein like grilled chicken, serve it warm alongside the salad for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is wonderfully creamy and mild, soft cheeses like Camembert or young goat cheese are excellent substitutes. Just choose something with a similar soft texture that melts slightly and complements the sweetness of the pears.
How do I prevent the pears from browning?
Tossing the sliced pears in a bit of fresh lemon juice before adding them to the salad is the best way to keep their color vibrant and fresh-looking. This simple trick maintains the salad’s appeal without changing the flavor.
Is this Pear Brie Salad Recipe suitable for vegans?
Since Brie cheese is a dairy product, this recipe isn’t vegan. However, you can substitute with a plant-based creamy cheese alternative and make sure your candied nuts and dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly to enjoy a similar flavor profile.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even toasted chickpeas turn this light salad into a satisfying main course. The subtle flavors of the salad pair beautifully with simply seasoned proteins that don’t overpower the delicate pear and Brie.
What variations of dressing work well?
If you want to mix things up, balsamic vinaigrette or a raspberry vinaigrette are fantastic alternatives to the honey-Dijon dressing. Both add a slightly different twist that enhances the fruit and cheese combination without stealing the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
This Pear Brie Salad Recipe is one of those unexpected gems that’s simple to throw together but feels incredibly special every time you serve it. The harmony of flavors and textures makes it perfect for casual lunches, holiday dinners, or any moment when you want to treat yourself and those around you. So go ahead and try this salad—you might just find yourself making it your new go-to favorite.
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Pear Brie Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and elegant Pear Brie Salad featuring mixed greens, ripe pears, creamy Brie cheese, candied nuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, holiday gatherings, or a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby romaine)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small wedges or cubes
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, Brie cheese wedges, candied pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens or breaking the pears and cheese.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy fresh to retain the crispness and vibrant flavors of the ingredients.
Notes
- To prevent pears from browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- You can substitute the dressing with balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry dressing for variation.
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or your choice of protein.
