Name: Pear Salad with Walnuts and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed salad greens; 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make this Pear Salad with Walnuts and Honey-Mustard Dressing when I want something fresh, crisp, and beautifully balanced. Sweet, juicy pears pair perfectly with crunchy walnuts and a tangy-sweet dressing that ties everything together. It’s light yet satisfying, and I love serving it as a starter or a simple lunch. Pear Salad with Walnuts and Honey-Mustard Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad combines contrasting textures and flavors in every bite. The pears bring natural sweetness, the walnuts add crunch, and the honey-mustard dressing delivers just the right amount of tang.

I also appreciate how quickly it comes together. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, I can create a dish that looks elegant and tastes vibrant without much effort.

Ingredients

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

4 cups mixed salad greens
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I start by washing and drying the salad greens thoroughly, then placing them in a large bowl.
I thinly slice the pears, leaving the skin on for extra texture and color.
I scatter the pear slices, chopped walnuts, and crumbled cheese over the greens.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
I serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to deepen their flavor. If I want extra sweetness, I add a handful of dried cranberries.

I also enjoy substituting blue cheese for goat cheese for a bolder taste, or adding thinly sliced red onions for a bit of sharpness.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer serving this salad fresh, but I can store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Pear Salad with Walnuts and Honey-Mustard Dressing

FAQs

What type of pears work best?

I like using firm yet ripe varieties such as Bosc or Anjou because they hold their shape well in the salad.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

I often prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I shake or whisk it again before using.

How do I keep the pears from browning?

I lightly toss the slices in a bit of lemon juice if I’m not serving the salad immediately.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.

What main dishes pair well with this salad?

I enjoy serving it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple pasta dish.

Conclusion

I find this Pear Salad with Walnuts and Honey-Mustard Dressing to be a simple yet elegant dish that highlights fresh, natural flavors. The sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dressing create a perfectly balanced salad every time. Whenever I want something light, refreshing, and beautiful on the table, I turn to this recipe.