This vibrant pomegranate and pear salad is a fresh, colorful, and elegant holiday side. Juicy pears, pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans are tossed with greens and a simple balsamic dressing!
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Pomegranate and Pear Salad
This pomegranate and pear salad is one of my go-to recipes for the holidays. It looks beautiful on the table and tastes just as good, making it a staple on my Thanksgiving menu.
With so many rich side dishes during the holidays, it’s nice to have something light and fresh to balance things out. This salad is a favorite for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with my fall salad, arugula beet salad recipe or apple cranberry spinach salad.
I always buy extra ingredients to make more the next day. After a big meal, a crisp salad like this hits the spot, fresh, fruity, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Pear Salad Ingredients
- Greens: Spinach, arugula or spring mix all taste great.
- Pears: Use ripe pears for the best result. To test the ripeness, press down on the skin of the pear (near the stem) with your thumb. If it’s soft and slightly gives when pressing down, then it’s ready to enjoy.
- Pomegranate seeds: Not only do they taste delicious, but these seeds add a beautiful pop of color. You can seed your own pomegranate, or buy prepackaged seeds from the grocery.
- Cheese: Feta cheese is my favorite when making this pear salad. Gorgonzola or goat cheese will also work too.
- Candied pecans: You can make your own candied pecans, or buy them premade. Any type of mixed candied nuts would also taste great.
- Dressing: Balsamic dressing balances out all of the flavors perfectly. You can also make a simple basic vinaigrette with red wine vinegar.
How to Make Pear Salad
- Assemble the greens in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced pears, candied pecans, pomegranate seeds and feta on top.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until combined.
Tips + Modifications
- Pears brown quickly, so slice them just before serving.
- You can use regular pecans if you prefer. Walnuts and almonds also taste great.
- Dried cranberries will also work in place of pomegranate seeds.
- For even more fall flavor, add some roasted butternut squash or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Add leftover turkey or roasted chicken to make a complete meal.
More Salad Recipes
Pomegranate Pear Salad
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 cups spinach, arugula or spring mix
- 2 pears
- ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons feta cheese (or gorgonzola)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette (or red wine vinaigrette, more if desired)
- ½ cup candied pecans
Instructions
- Place the spinach in a large bowl. Slice the pear into thin slices and remove the pomegranate seeds. The add on top of greens.
- Sprinkle the candied pecans, pomegranate seeds and feta cheese on top. Drizzle with the dressing just before serving. Toss the salad until combined.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Destri
I made this salad for church relief society Friendsgiving and it was a hit!! I used apples and dried cranberries instead of pears and pomegranates. The dressing was the star of course! It was the perfect combo of sweet and savory. Multiple ladies asked for the recipe! This is one I will definitely make again! *Tip- soak the apples in a mixture of lemon juice and water to help them from turning brown!
Jamielyn Nye
Thanks for the tip! So glad you enjoyed the pear salad :)
wilhelmina
I love all of the flavors in this salad, so bright and perfect for a holiday meal! The best part is that it is as pretty as it is delicious!
Katie
Looks fantastic. I know my family would love this!
Cyd
I love how fresh this is while still having all the flavors of the holidays! Love the addition of the pomegranate seeds.