If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a celebration in a bowl, the Pear & Brie Salad is your answer. With juicy pears, creamy brie, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tangy dressing, it turns simple ingredients into a vibrant, elegant dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this salad is a delightful way to bring gourmet flavor to any table. Each bite is balanced and bright, making the Pear & Brie Salad an unforgettable favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Pear & Brie Salad is in its simplicity; every ingredient has a starring role. From the crisp greens to the luscious brie, these components create a symphony of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make this showstopper shine:

Arugula (or mixed greens): The peppery freshness of arugula adds a lively base, but any tender greens will work beautifully.
Ripe pears: Choose pears that are just soft enough to slice, bringing sweet juiciness to every forkful.
Brie cheese: Creamy and buttery, brie melts into the salad for a luxurious, satisfying bite.
Walnuts or pecans, toasted: Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor and adds irresistible crunch.
Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional): For a pop of color and a hint of tartness, toss in either of these jewels.
Olive oil: A good drizzle brings everything together with silky richness.
Balsamic vinegar: Its tangy sweetness balances the pears and brie perfectly.
Honey (optional): A touch of honey can round out the flavors if you like things a little sweeter.
Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle to enhance and balance the flavors.

How to Make Pear & Brie Salad

Step 1: Prep the Greens

Start by giving your arugula or mixed greens a quick rinse and spin. Dry greens are key—they’ll hold onto the dressing better, keeping every bite flavorful and crisp. Spread the greens out on a large serving platter or in a wide bowl to give your Pear & Brie Salad a beautiful foundation.

Step 2: Slice the Pears and Brie

Next, core your pears and slice them thinly. Their natural sweetness shines when cut just right—not too thick, not too thin. Do the same with your brie; slice it into bite-sized wedges that will melt ever so slightly into the salad, making each forkful creamy and dreamy.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts

If you haven’t already, quickly toast your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant. This simple step makes a world of difference by adding depth and crunch to your Pear & Brie Salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now, for the fun part! Layer the sliced pears and brie over your greens, then scatter the toasted nuts. If you’re adding dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, sprinkle them on for extra color and a burst of tartness. This is when your salad starts to look as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad right before serving, and toss gently to coat everything with that irresistible sweet and tangy flavor.

How to Serve Pear & Brie Salad

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider a light scattering of extra toasted nuts, a few more pomegranate seeds, or even a twist of cracked black pepper on top. These little details not only make your Pear & Brie Salad look restaurant-worthy, but also add even more flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with so many dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetable soup for a complete meal. A crusty baguette or homemade focaccia makes it even more satisfying, perfect for catching every bit of creamy brie and sweet pear.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Pear & Brie Salad on individual plates for a dinner party, or pile it high on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable appetizer. You can even tuck it into endive leaves for a handheld hors d’oeuvre—there’s no wrong way to show off those gorgeous colors and flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The greens may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious for up to a day. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Pear & Brie Salad, as the delicate greens and creamy brie don’t hold up well to the cold. The textures change too much, and you’ll lose that fresh, vibrant appeal.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle toss before serving if it’s been chilled. If you’ve kept the dressing separate, simply add it and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While brie gives the salad its signature creamy richness, you can substitute with goat cheese, camembert, or even blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.

Which pears are best for Pear & Brie Salad?

Bartlett and Anjou pears work beautifully because they’re juicy and tender but still hold their shape. Just make sure they’re ripe but not mushy for the best texture.

How can I make this salad nut-free?

If nuts are off the table, simply leave them out or swap in toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without allergens.

Can I prepare Pear & Brie Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components a few hours in advance—slice the pears and brie, toast the nuts, and wash the greens. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What’s the best way to keep pears from browning?

To prevent browning, toss the sliced pears with a little lemon juice right after cutting. This keeps them looking fresh and vibrant until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with salads all over again, give this Pear & Brie Salad a try! It’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavors that always impress. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every delicious bite—you’ll want to make it again and again.

Pear & Brie Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pear & Brie Salad is a quick and elegant dish combining peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy brie cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts. With a simple honey-balsamic dressing and optional tart cranberries or pomegranate seeds, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
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

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Instructions

Prepare the salad greens: Rinse and dry 4 cups of arugula or mixed greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl as the base of your salad.
Slice the pears: Core and thinly slice 2 ripe pears. Arrange them evenly over the salad greens for a sweet, fresh flavor contrast.
Add the brie cheese: Thinly slice 4 ounces of brie cheese and distribute the slices evenly on top of the salad to add creamy richness.
Toast the nuts: Toast 1/4 cup of walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to avoid burning. Allow to cool and sprinkle over the salad for crunch.
Add cranberries or pomegranate seeds: If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds over the salad for a pop of color and tartness.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), and salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.

Notes

Choose ripe but firm pears to prevent sogginess in the salad.
For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with toasted seeds.
Use fresh pomegranate seeds for a juicy tartness or dried cranberries for sweetness.
The honey in the dressing is optional depending on your sweetness preference.
Brie can be replaced with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
This salad is best eaten immediately to maintain freshness and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American