If you’re looking for a salad that feels both indulgent and light, the Pear & Brie Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This beautifully balanced salad combines the peppery bite of fresh arugula with the silky creaminess of brie cheese and the sweet crunch of ripe pears. Topped with toasted nuts and a simple balsamic dressing, it’s a feast for the senses that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a fancy appetizer, this salad never fails to impress with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Pear & Brie Salad Recipe. Each component plays an essential role: from the peppery greens to the luscious cheese and the sweet, crunchy toppings that tie it all together.
- 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens): Provides a fresh, peppery base that wakes up your palate.
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly: Adds juicy sweetness and beautiful texture contrast.
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced: Brings creamy richness that melts in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted: Delivers a toasty crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional): Offers a pop of tartness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The smooth base for the dressing, adding silkiness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Gives a tangy sweetness that brightens the salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens and Pears
Start by thoroughly washing your arugula or mixed greens to remove any grit, then pat them dry so the dressing will cling nicely. Next, core the pears and slice them thinly to ensure every bite has a perfect pear-to-green ratio. Using ripe pears is key—they bring natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory brie.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Place your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast them for about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring so they don’t burn. Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy cheese and soft pears.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, slightly thick vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing is what brings everything together, enhancing each component without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the arugula with about half of the dressing to lightly coat the greens. Arrange slices of pear and brie on top, then sprinkle toasted nuts and cranberries or pomegranate seeds (if you opted in) over the salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing gently over everything for an elegant finish.
How to Serve Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, garnish your Pear & Brie Salad Recipe with fresh herbs like thyme or chopped chives. These herbs lend a subtle earthy note that complements the creamy brie. A crack of freshly ground black pepper scattered on top also adds a lovely finishing punch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a light soup, making it a perfect starter or a light meal. It’s also fabulous alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a more substantial dinner, where the flavors really sing without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad on a rustic wooden board for a charming rustic vibe or plate it in individual bowls topped with a few whole pear slices and brie wedges for a sophisticated touch. You can even create pear and brie crostini inspired by this salad to turn it into a delightful appetizer for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, it’s best to keep the salad components separate. Store the dressed greens in an airtight container and refrigerate up to one day. Keep sliced pears and brie wrapped individually to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Due to the fresh greens and delicate texture of brie, freezing the full salad is not recommended. However, you can freeze toasted nuts separately in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so reheating is not necessary. If you love warm brie, consider serving that component slightly room temperature or warmed gently just before assembling the salad for a delightful twist.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie has a unique creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild feta for a tangier punch.
What type of pears work best in this salad?
Choose ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc for the best balance of sweetness and texture. Overly soft pears might get mushy and lose their crisp charm.
Is it necessary to toast the nuts?
Toasting nuts is highly recommended as it enhances their flavor and crunch, but you can skip this step if short on time. Raw nuts will still add a nice texture, just with a milder taste.
Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, though the flavor will be less sweet and rich. Adding a tiny bit more honey will help balance the acidity.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Pear & Brie Salad Recipe enough—it’s a dazzling combination of flavors that feels elegant yet effortless. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this salad turns simple ingredients into a memorable dish. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This fresh and elegant Pear & Brie Salad combines peppery arugula with sweet, juicy pears and creamy brie cheese. Topped with toasted nuts and optional dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, it is dressed with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar vinaigrette enhanced by a touch of honey. Perfect as a light lunch or a starter, this salad balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the arugula or mixed greens thoroughly. Core the pears and slice them thinly to ensure even distribution and easy eating.
- Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pears, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using.
- Add the brie cheese: Arrange the sliced brie over the top of the salad evenly.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients lightly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture of the brie.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid sogginess in the salad.
- To toast nuts evenly, keep stirring and watch closely to prevent burning.
- Substitute brie with camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, replace brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- To save time, nuts can be toasted in advance and stored in an airtight container.
