This salad is a perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. The poached pears add a soft, sweet contrast to crunchy greens and savory toppings. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize based on the season or your preferences. The flavors and textures make it a great starter or light main course that feels special without being complicated to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Firm ripe pears (like Bosc or Anjou)
Water, white wine, or fruit juice (for poaching)
Honey or sugar
Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for added flavor)
Mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
Crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese
Candied or toasted walnuts or pecans
Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
Red onion slices (optional)
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette
Salt and pepper
Directions
Peel the pears, cut in half, and core them.
In a saucepan, combine your poaching liquid (water, wine, or juice) with honey or sugar and optional spices. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the pears and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Turn occasionally to poach evenly.
Remove the pears and let them cool. Slice thinly or leave in halves for presentation.
In a large bowl or on individual plates, arrange the mixed greens.
Top with slices of poached pear, crumbled cheese, nuts, and optional extras like cranberries or onions.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time (poaching): 20 minutes Cool time: 10 minutes Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Red Wine Poached Pears: Use red wine for a deep color and rich flavor.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Add Grains: Mix in quinoa, farro, or wild rice for a heartier salad.
Apple Twist: Substitute apples for pears if you prefer a crisper texture.
Storage/Reheating
Poached pears can be stored in their liquid in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens. Do not freeze, as the greens and poached fruit won’t maintain their texture.
FAQs
Can I poach the pears in advance?
Yes, poach the pears up to 3 days ahead and store them in the fridge in their liquid.
What’s the best type of pear for this salad?
Bosc and Anjou pears are firm and hold their shape well when poached, making them ideal.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make it fully plant-based.
What type of wine is best for poaching?
A dry white wine or light red wine works well, depending on the flavor profile you want.
Can I use canned pears?
You can, but fresh poached pears provide much better texture and flavor.
How do I keep the pears from turning brown?
Keep them in the poaching liquid or sprinkle with lemon juice after poaching.
What dressing goes best with this salad?
A simple balsamic vinaigrette or honey-mustard dressing pairs wonderfully with the sweet pears.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, you can serve the pears warm on top of the greens for a lovely contrast.
What greens work best?
Peppery arugula, spinach, or a spring mix complement the sweetness of the pears nicely.
Is this salad filling enough for a main course?
Yes, especially if you add grains, nuts, or protein like chicken or chickpeas.
Conclusion
Poached Pear Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The tender, sweet pears elevate a simple salad into something special, making it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or everyday indulgence. With plenty of ways to customize it, this salad is a go-to recipe for impressing guests or enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home
Poached Pear Salad is an elegant and flavorful dish that combines tender poached pears with crisp greens, tangy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a light vinaigrette. Perfect for special occasions or refreshing everyday meals.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Salad
Method:Poaching
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2–3 firm ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, halved, and cored
2 cups water, white wine, or fruit juice (for poaching)
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
1 cinnamon stick or star anise (optional)
5–6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese
1/3 cup candied or toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Peel, halve, and core the pears.
In a saucepan, combine the poaching liquid with honey or sugar and optional spices. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the pears and simmer for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
Remove the pears from the liquid and let them cool for 10 minutes. Slice if desired.
Arrange mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
Top with poached pear slices, crumbled cheese, nuts, and optional cranberries or red onions.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Poach pears ahead of time and store in the liquid for up to 3 days.Use red wine for a deeper color and flavor variation.Try dairy-free cheese or maple syrup for a vegan version.Serve pears warm or cold based on your preference.
