🎉 Introduction
This Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is the perfect mix of fresh, sweet, tangy, and creamy. 🍐✨
Crisp mixed greens are tossed with ripe pears, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese, then drizzled with a silky honey mustard vinaigrette. The result? A salad that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a light lunch. Every forkful offers a balance of sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese — all coated in a zesty dressing that ties everything together perfectly.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet (for toasting nuts)
🛒 Ingredients
🥬 For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
🍯 For the Honey Mustard Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Step 2 – Prepare the Pears
Wash and slice the pears thinly, leaving the peel on for extra color and nutrients.
Step 3 – Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add more honey for sweetness or more lime juice for tang.
Step 4 – Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pear slices, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
Step 5 – Add the Dressing
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Step 6 – Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle feta cheese crumbles on top just before serving for a creamy, tangy contrast.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before using.
- Reheating: Not required — serve cold or at room temperature.
💡 Tip: Add the dressing and feta only right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
🥄 Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan feta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Autumn Twist: Add apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or roasted squash.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of chili flakes into the dressing.
- Creamier Dressing: Stir in 1 tbsp Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced celery or apple matchsticks.
- Holiday Touch: Garnish with candied nuts and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What pears work best for this salad?
Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears are great — they’re juicy yet firm enough to hold their shape.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.
3. How do I keep pears from browning?
Brush slices lightly with lemon or lime juice.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes — goat cheese or blue cheese also pair beautifully.
5. Is the dressing sweet or tangy?
It’s perfectly balanced — slightly sweet from honey, tangy from lime, and savory from mustard.
6. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work well.
7. What greens are best?
A mix of spinach, arugula, and spring greens gives great flavor and texture.
8. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh juice gives a brighter, fresher taste — bottled tends to be slightly bitter.
9. How can I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas for a full meal.
10. Can I double the dressing?
Yes — it stores well and works as a marinade or dip too!
🏁 Conclusion
This Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is everything you want in a fresh, seasonal salad — crisp greens, sweet fruit, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans all tied together with a golden, silky dressing. 🍐🥗
It’s refreshing yet satisfying, light yet flavorful, and works beautifully as a side dish or main course.
From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this salad adds elegance and freshness to any table.
Simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and a touch of natural sweetness — this salad is proof that wholesome food can be absolutely delicious.
Pear Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing — Sweet, Crunchy & Refreshingly Elegant
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Equipment
Method
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Wash and slice the pears thinly, leaving the peel on for extra color and nutrients.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add more honey for sweetness or more lime juice for tang.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pear slices, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle feta cheese crumbles on top just before serving for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Notes
Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears are great — they’re juicy yet firm enough to hold their shape. 2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and assemble right before serving. 3. How do I keep pears from browning?
Brush slices lightly with lemon or lime juice. 4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes — goat cheese or blue cheese also pair beautifully. 5. Is the dressing sweet or tangy?
It’s perfectly balanced — slightly sweet from honey, tangy from lime, and savory from mustard. 6. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all work well. 7. What greens are best?
A mix of spinach, arugula, and spring greens gives great flavor and texture. 8. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh juice gives a brighter, fresher taste — bottled tends to be slightly bitter. 9. How can I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas for a full meal. 10. Can I double the dressing?
Yes — it stores well and works as a marinade or dip too! 🏁 Conclusion This Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is everything you want in a fresh, seasonal salad — crisp greens, sweet fruit, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans all tied together with a golden, silky dressing. 🍐🥗 It’s refreshing yet satisfying, light yet flavorful, and works beautifully as a side dish or main course.
From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this salad adds elegance and freshness to any table. Simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and a touch of natural sweetness — this salad is proof that wholesome food can be absolutely delicious.
