A lovely Fall pear salad with goat cheese, dried cranberries, pecans and bacon, on top of romaine lettuce and with a homemade poppy seed dressing.
Today, I'm celebrating Fall with this Fall Pear Chopped Salad. It's the perfect way to transition salads to Fall produce and an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving salad!
I don't like to pick favourite salads, but let's just say this one would be right up there! The combination of flavours is just a winner. It starts with ripe, firm Fall pears and is combined with dried cranberries, pecans, goat cheese and bacon. Yes, bacon is the perfect salty note in this salad and it pairs so well with the other flavours. It also provides a bit more heartiness for Fall.
As for salad dressing, I use a quick and easy homemade poppy seed dressing, then finish it all off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you're not familiar with balsamic glaze, I highly recommend adding it to your pantry. It is essentially balsamic vinegar that is lightly sweetened and reduced in to a thicker liquid. It's sold in handy, dandy squeeze bottles, so it's easy to grab and drizzle on all kinds of things.
Ingredient Notes
Lettuce - I've used romaine lettuce here, but you can easily use another green or a mixture of greens, if you prefer.
Cheese - I used goat cheese, as I love the creaminess in this salad and it pairs beautifully with pears. Feta is another option, if you prefer.
Pears - As for which pears to use, I love Bosc pears, as they have a lovely texture and flavour, but Bartlett or Anjou pears are nice as well. Use pears that are ripe, but still have some firmness, for best results. If you want to change it up, try Red Pears. They are quite firm, even when ripe, with a more tart, almost apple-like flavour.
Bacon - The salty note from the bacon is a nice addition to this salad, but you can certainly omit for a vegetarian option.
Cook's Notes
You don't want to cut the pears for the salad ahead, as they will brown as they sit. Cut them just before serving. I don't peel mine. You can if you like.
Don't dress the salad too far ahead, as it will get soggy. I try to have everything chopped and ready, but stored separately, then I just bring them together, toss and dress shortly before serving.
What to serve with this Fall Pear Chopped Salad
I love this salad for lunch, on it's own, or for dinner, with something simple liked grilled chicken or pork.
Later in the Fall, it would be nice paired with my Braised Beef Stew with Cranberries. Add some mashed potatoes for a delicious and hearty meal!
For entertaining, maybe pair this lovely salad with pork tenderloin, roasted up with a simple balsamic glaze and sliced. Here are a few from the Seasons & Suppers archives ...
Cranberry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Pork with Cranberry, Balsamic and Maple
The Fall flavours of this salad would also make it perfect for the Thanksgiving table!
Fall Pear Chopped Salad
Ingredients
For salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped in to bite-sized pieces)
- 3 slices bacon (cooked, cooled and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecan halves (roughly chopped)
- 2 medium pears (core removed and roughly chopped (peeled or un-peeled))
Poppy Seed Salad Dressing:
- 1 Tbsp granulated white sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (or canola, or other neutral tasting oil)
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch salt and pepper
To Serve:
- Balsamic Glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp. Set aside to cool, then crumble.
- Prepare the salad dressing by combining all ingredients and whisking until smooth, thickened and creamy. Set aside.
- Add chopped romaine to salad bowl. Top with dried cranberries, pecans, chopped pear and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with some of the poppy seed dressing. Toss to combine, adding more dressing if needed.
- Drizzle top with balsamic glaze. Serve and enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
More Fall Salads You Might Like
Gwen says
Huge hit! We all had 2 helpings and one guest had 3!
The poppy seed dressing was perfect. I was able to prep everything the day before (except chopping the lettuce), right down to sprinkling the pears with a little lemon juice. I admit I forgot to drizzle the Balsamic Glaze, a guest was chopping and dressing the salad, didn't see the glaze and I never noticed. But no harm done - it was still gorgeous! I polished off what was left for breakfast! Spectacular!
It went beautifully along side some Mussels in Pernod and Cream.
Already planning on when to have it again! Think it's going to be a lunch on its own with a baguette.
Jennifer says
So glad to hear, Gwen! This is one of my favourite salads and I practically live on it while pears are nice. As you discovered it's still lovely without the balsamic, but if you get a chance to try it with the balsamic, you'll find it takes it up even another notch :) Thanks!
Jennifer says
So glad you enjoyed this salad, Elizabeth! It is definitely my favourite Fall salad :)
Elizabeth says
Excellent salad! Perhaps my new favourite. I served this salad for Thanksgiving to rave reviews. I gave you the credit though.
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
So pretty, this is the perfect salad to celebrate fall flavors!
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Laura :)
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I know what you mean about in your head it being fall...my fave season!! This salad is absolutely gorgeous, Jennifer! Love all those flavours! We have a pear tree and some of those would be put to good use with this recipe :)
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Dawn :) And how is it that you can grow pears in Nfld? Jealous!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
What a fabulous fall salad Jennifer. As soon as fall hits, I begin to think of pears, apples, pecans and cranberries. Great poppy seed dressing too!
Jennifer says
Thanks Mary Ann and it has definitely hit hear (despite all efforts on of denial on my part ;)
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I love the rustic look of this salad, Jennifer ~ salads just taste better in a wooden bowl, don't they?
Jennifer says
Thanks Sue and yes they do!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
This IS the perfect salad to transition to fall. I have forgotten how much I love pear salads so thanks for this beautiful inspiration! I also like to add some tender poached chicken and make it a complete meal. Love the balsamic glaze - going to have to try it soon!
Jennifer says
Thanks Tricia and yes, it would be perfect with poached chicken!
Milena | Craft Beering says
What an elegant way to usher the early days of Fall in! I love this salad, especially the flavors of pear and balsamic glaze together! It can be a great side to so may of Fall's grilling adventures.
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Milena :) I love balsamic glaze on so many things, but you're right, it pairs perfectly with the pears!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Goodness this gets me in the mood for autumn! I imagine enjoying a nice helping with a crisp apple wine! Beautiful!
Jennifer says
Thanks so much, Annie and yes, how perfect with an apple wine!
Chris Scheuer says
This salad has EVERYTHING I love in it. I'll definitely be trying it soon!!
Jennifer says
Thanks Chris and yes, all my favourites too, and together ... so delicious! :)