By Autumn Pear & Pecan Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Autumn Pear & Pecan Salad with Balsamic Dressing captures the essence of salads while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Autumn Pear & Pecan Salad with Balsamic Dressing becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
½ cup pecans, toasted
¼ cup walnuts (optional)
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
For the Balsamic Dressing:
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing emulsifies.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad
Arrange mixed greens in a large salad bowl or platter.
Layer on the sliced pear, toasted pecans, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta, if using.
Drizzle & Serve
Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently and enjoy this fresh, autumn-inspired dish!
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes | No cooking required
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
This Autumn Pear & Pecan Salad is light, flavorful, and packed with textures—a perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and tangy in every bite!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 15 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~220 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Whole grain bread; Soup; Grilled protein
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
