If you are craving a salad that dances on your palate with a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy, then you are in for a treat with this Pear & Brie Salad Recipe. This dish brings together luscious ripe pears, smooth brie cheese, and toasted nuts atop a bed of fresh greens, all drizzled with a delicate balsamic-honey dressing. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet impressively elegant—ideal for a light lunch, a stunning side, or even a show-stopping starter when guests arrive. Trust me, once you try this Pear & Brie Salad Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients is all it takes to create this beautifully balanced salad. Each component plays a key role—from the peppery arugula to the creamy brie, the juicy pears, and the crunchy nuts, topped off with a sweet and tangy dressing that ties everything together.
- 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens): Provides a fresh, slightly peppery base with great color and texture.
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly: Adds sweetness and juiciness that complement the brie perfectly.
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced: Brings a luscious, creamy richness that melts beautifully on the salad.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted: Offers a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional): Injects bursts of tartness and extra color vibrancy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Acts as the mellow, fruity base of the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Gives the salad its vivid tang and deep aroma.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Sweetens the dressing just enough to balance the acidity beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Greens and Fruits
Start by washing and drying the arugula or mixed greens thoroughly. This ensures crispness and freshness. Then, core your ripe pears and slice them thinly—thin slices allow the sweetness to blend gently without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Gently toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Toasted nuts add an irresistible crunch and bring out their natural oils and flavor, elevating the salad’s texture.
Step 3: Slice the Brie
Carefully slice the brie into bite-sized pieces or thin slices. Room temperature brie is ideal for getting that soft, creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp greens and juicy pears.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey (if using) along with a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be well blended, with a balanced taste of sweet and tart that complements the salad components without overwhelming them.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, pears, toasted nuts, and your optional dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly. Finally, top the salad with the slices of brie, leaving them visible for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra flair when serving, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra toasted nuts on top. For a fresh herbal note, a few torn basil or mint leaves can elevate the experience with their aroma and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a light soup like roasted tomato or butternut squash. It also complements grilled chicken or fish perfectly, making it an excellent side dish for a casual dinner or celebratory meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning visual and elegant touch, try serving the Pear & Brie Salad Recipe in individual clear glass bowls or on wooden serving boards. Layer the ingredients to showcase the vibrant colors, or arrange the pear slices and brie wedges carefully on top for a gourmet look that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to one day. To maintain texture, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh—freezing is not recommended as the delicate greens and pears won’t hold up well after thawing, and the brie’s texture may change unfavorably.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature shortly after taking them from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy texture and mild flavor, soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese can also work beautifully in this salad.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand?
You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be a bit different—less sweet but still pleasantly tangy.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan options?
This salad is vegetarian by default, thanks to the brie cheese. For a vegan version, try substituting the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and swap honey for maple syrup.
How do I keep the pears from browning?
To prevent browning, toss the pear slices lightly with a bit of lemon juice right after slicing, or add them to the salad just before serving.
Can I batch prep the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling over your salad to recombine the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Pear & Brie Salad Recipe a try—it’s a delightful way to brighten any meal with fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, this salad will bring joy to your table and maybe even spark a new favorite tradition.
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Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 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 peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy brie cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all brought together with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
Greens
- 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
Fruit
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly
Cheese
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
Fruit Add-ins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash the arugula or mixed greens thoroughly and dry them well. Core the pears and slice them thinly to ensure they blend nicely with the greens.
- Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pears, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add the brie: Arrange the sliced brie cheese on top of the dressed salad just before serving to maintain the cheese’s shape and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and the contrasting textures of crispy greens, creamy brie, and sweet pears.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and replace with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid mushy slices in the salad.
- Brie can be substituted with Camembert or a soft goat cheese for a similar creamy texture with slightly different flavor profiles.
- Adding dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds provides a burst of tartness and added color but is optional.
- Adjust the honey quantity based on your desired sweetness and the ripeness of the pears.
