Spinach Pear Salad

When I think about fresh, light meals, the first thing that comes to mind is a Spinach Pear Salad. This dish brings together the earthiness of fresh spinach, the sweetness of ripe pears, and the creamy tang of blue cheese, creating a perfectly balanced combination. I remember the first time I made this salad for a gathering; the colors were vibrant, and the flavors were bright and refreshing. Guests couldn’t get enough, and I found myself sharing the recipe more times than I could count!

It’s such a versatile dish, perfect for a light lunch, a festive dinner, or even as an impressive starter for a special occasion. The addition of cranberries and toasted almonds makes it not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. I often find that salads like this, filled with seasonal fruits, make a lasting impression, leaving everyone wanting more. So, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a grand holiday feast, this Spinach Pear Salad is bound to make an appearance.

What’s In This Spinach Pear Salad

The beauty of this Spinach Pear Salad lies in its simple ingredients, each contributing to the overall harmony of flavors. Baby spinach provides a fresh base, while Bartlett pears add a delicious sweetness. The blue cheese introduces a creamy, tangy element that beautifully contrasts with the other components. Toasted almonds give a satisfying crunch, and dried cranberries bring a bit of tartness.

• 5 ounces of baby spinach: Fresh and tender, baby spinach forms the perfect base for this salad, providing a mild flavor and vibrant color.
• 2 Bartlett pears: These sweet, juicy pears add a delightful contrast to the savory elements, enhancing the overall taste.
• 4 ounces blue cheese: Rich and creamy, blue cheese brings depth and complexity to the salad, pairing beautifully with the sweetness of the pears.
• ¼ cup sliced almonds: Toasted for extra flavor, sliced almonds offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft textures in the salad.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: These add a pop of color and a sweet-tart twist to each bite, balancing the savory flavors.
• ¼ of a small red onion: Soaking in ice water mellows the bite of the red onion, allowing its flavor to enhance the salad without overpowering it.

Recipe Steps for Spinach Pear Salad

Preparing this Spinach Pear Salad is not only easy but also enjoyable. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for any meal. Here’s how to create this delightful dish step by step.

1. Start by dividing the baby spinach onto four plates or salad bowls. The vibrant green will serve as a lovely base for the other ingredients.
2. Next, arrange the sliced Bartlett pears, blue cheese chunks, and toasted almonds over the spinach. You can be creative with the presentation—think about colors and textures to make it visually appealing.
3. For the red onion, soak the slices in ice water for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it mellows the onion’s sharpness, making it more palatable and pleasant.
4. While the onions soak, let’s prepare the dressing. In a Pyrex measuring cup or mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Take your time here; the right balance of flavors is key.
5. Next, add in the honey to the mixture. This will introduce a touch of sweetness that complements the other ingredients well.
6. Begin to slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture emulsifies. You should see a smooth, creamy blend forming; this indicates you’re on the right track!
7. Once the dressing is ready, whisk in the poppy seeds. They add a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dressing.
8. Now, take the soaked red onions and drain them. Scatter them over the assembled ingredients on the plates. The balance of flavors will elevate the dish.
9. Finally, pour the dressing over the salad gently, ensuring that the pears are lightly coated to prevent oxidation. This will keep your salad looking fresh and appetizing.

Change It Up

This Spinach Pear Salad is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Here are some ways you can customize your salad:

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Combine them when ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the fresh ingredients will change once thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to a main course.
• Seasonal Variations: Try adding seasonal fruits like apples or berries depending on the time of year for different flavor profiles.
• Dressing Variations: Experiment with using different types of vinegar or adding herbs to the dressing for a unique twist.

Perfect Matches for Spinach Pear Salad

There are so many ways to serve your Spinach Pear Salad. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• As a Starter: Serve this salad as a light appetizer at dinner parties, or alongside a creamy soup for a comforting meal.
• Lunch Option: Pack it for lunch by adding some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to keep you full throughout the day.
• Seasonal Celebrations: This salad shines during fall gatherings, bringing seasonal flavors to your table.
• Storage Tips: Keep the salad components stored separately in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Combine just before serving.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve it alongside roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spinach Pear Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. I encourage you to try making this salad and experience its refreshing taste yourself. You might find it becoming a staple in your meal rotation!

Spinach Pear Salad

Indulge in the deliciously fresh Spinach Pear Salad, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures! The combination of sweet pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy almonds offers an easy, healthy side for any meal. Perfect for fall gatherings or a light lunch, it's a must-try!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 2 pieces Bartlett pears
• 4 ounces blue cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ of a small red onion

Equipment

• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Divide baby spinach onto 4 plates or salad bowls. Arrange the rest of the ingredients over the spinach.
2. Soaking the red onion in ice water mellows the bite.
3. Make the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a Pyrex measuring cup or mixing bowl. Whisk in the honey.
4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies. Whisk in the poppy seeds.
5. Pour dressing over the salad, making sure to lightly coat the pears to prevent oxidation.

Notes

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Combine them when ready to serve to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the fresh ingredients will change once thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to a main course.
• Seasonal Variations: Try adding seasonal fruits like apples or berries depending on the time of year for different flavor profiles.
• Dressing Variations: Experiment with using different types of vinegar or adding herbs to the dressing for a unique twist.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.