Skip to main content

Perfect Pear Salad

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Home Decor Bowl and Pottery
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Created by Epicurious memberKathe Millerfrom Chelan, Washington, this beautiful salad has a wonderful presentation as well as a rich taste. Try it as a starter, or as a satisfying lunch. Miller recommends pears that are tender but crisp, giving the salad a divine texture and bite that is at once crunchy and juicy.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into large dice
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups (loosely packed) baby spinach leaves
1 Anjou pear, peeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3/4 cup coarsely grated Asiago cheese (about 5 ounces)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, cut into fine dice
2 tablespoons shallot, minced
  1. Step 1

    1. In a large skillet over moderately high heat, sauté the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain. Set aside.

    Step 2

    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the spinach with half the dressing.

    Step 3

    3. Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Top with the pear slices. Sprinkle the bacon, cheese, red pepper, and shallot over each plate. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Sign InorSubscribe
to leave a Rating or Review

How would you rate Perfect Pear Salad?

Leave a Review

  • Have made this many times as written and have always had great reviews. Because this is served plated, have also substituted an avocado in place of the Asiago cheese for a family member and it still works. Great with crusty bread or garlic bread.

    • skychi

    • Northern Illinois

    • 1/28/2021

  • Have made this recipe a number of times as written. I have also added spring greens to the mix on occasion. Everyone has always enjoyed this. Wonderful with a side of crispy bread. This is a keeper.

    • Northern Illinois

    • 1/3/2021

  • I am very confused. Do I use spinach or arugala? The photo shows arugala, but the recipe clearly says spinach. I would think arugala would be quite nice with the pears.

    • jmcdonne

    • St. Louis, MO

    • 12/29/2020

  • Seriously--WHY does Epicurious insist on showing photos that don't include the ingredients??? These food stylists are way off base. I have no desire to eat a dish with stemmed greens when the recipe clearly says spinach. What gives, Epicurious? (PS--I also dislike the name "EPI"--sounds like I got hair removed....

    • kyshel

    • 1/13/2016

  • Everyone loved it. Even though it says to use spinach I'm going to try it with Spring Mix greens as it appears in the photo.

    • MissBMae

    • Midwest

    • 11/29/2013

  • The picture shown does not match the recipe.

    • tea4tris

    • 11/17/2013

  • Fantastic salad! My guests LOVED it!

    • msfoodie1

    • Ohio

    • 11/12/2013

  • Bacon and fruit combo pleased even the pickiest eater in my household. I omitted the red pepper, though.

    • Anonymous

    • 11/7/2013

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Falafel-Spiced Turkey Burgers
Molly Yeh’s turkey burgers are genuinely juicy, supremely crispy, flavored like falafel, and browned in a skillet for ultimate ease.
Aleppo-Chicken and Broccolini Grain Bowls
For the fastest grain bowl, use bulgur—which steams in just 10 minutes—as the base for sheet-pan chicken thighs and roasted broccolini.
Red Wine–Poached Pears With Goat Cheese Sabayon, Pumpernickel, and Pine Nuts
Serve these poached pears as a replacement for a traditional cheese course or as the first course of a meal.
Cajun Chicken Gravy and Biscuits
A savory and spiced twist on the classic breakfast duo, featuring Cajun spice blend and sour cream biscuits that come together in a flash.
Crispy, Crunchy Chicken and Waffles
An herbaceous hot sauce buttermilk soak and cornstarch-flour dredge are the keys to this juicy, flavor-packed fried chicken.
Chile con Queso
Real cheddar cheese meets charred green chiles in our best recipe for queso. For extra points serve the molten dip with warmed tortilla chips.
Ravioli and Mushroom Skillet
Transform two favorite store-bought ingredients—cheese ravioli and crispy fried onions—into a rich and luscious skillet dinner with a crispy, savory top.
Penne With Spinach and Ricotta
This quick and easy pasta recipe from Giuliano Hazan was inspired by tortelloni filling.