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If there’s one salad that feels like a little celebration on a plate, it’s this Pear & Brie Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy all coming together effortlessly in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for an impressive starter to share with friends or a refreshing, light lunch that excites your taste buds, this salad is pure joy. The combination of juicy pears and velvety brie cheese, elevated by toasted nuts and a bright dressing, makes it an unforgettable experience that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are deceptively simple, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering a salad bursting with texture, flavor, and color. You’ll find that assembling this Pear & Brie Salad Recipe feels more like crafting a beautiful edible masterpiece than following a recipe.
- 4 cups arugula or mixed greens: Peppery and fresh, arugula adds a lively bite and vibrant green base for the salad.
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced thinly: The natural sweetness and juiciness of pears balance the creaminess of the brie perfectly.
- 4 oz brie cheese, sliced: Soft and buttery, brie adds richness and a delicate flavor that melts into every bite.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted: Nuts bring a satisfying crunch and a warm nuttiness that complements the softer ingredients.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional): These add a pop of color and a subtle tartness that lifts the whole salad.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A smooth, fruity olive oil forms the luscious base of the dressing for a balanced taste.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Its tangy sweetness enhances the pears and cuts through the cheese’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): A touch of honey smooths the dressing and ties all the flavors neatly together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Tiny tweaks of seasoning make all the difference in enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens and Pears
Begin by washing your arugula or mixed greens thoroughly and gently patting them dry to keep the salad crisp. Then, core and slice your ripe pears into thin, elegant pieces. This layering of fresh greens and juicy pears sets a beautiful foundation both visually and in flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
While slicing the pears, toast your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Toasting brings out their oils and deepens the nuttiness, adding a wonderful dimension of flavor and crunch to the salad.
Step 3: Slice the Brie Cheese
Take your creamy brie and slice it into thin wedges or bite-size pieces. The goal is to have delicate slices that will melt slightly on your tongue, mingling beautifully with the crisp pears and peppery greens.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey if you’re using it. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This simple vinaigrette perfectly balances sweetness and acidity to bring the salad ingredients together harmoniously.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the arugula or mixed greens with the dressing gently but thoroughly. Add the sliced pears, brie cheese, toasted nuts, and the dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if you choose. Give everything a graceful toss so that the flavors meld without bruising the delicate ingredients.
How to Serve Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pear & Brie Salad Recipe pop even more, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or a few fresh cracked black peppercorns. These small touches not only add a visual appeal but also elevate the aroma and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the brie can also intensify the creamy cheese’s richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with many light dishes. Think of crusty artisan bread, a simple grilled chicken breast, or even a delicate quiche. These sides complement without overpowering the salad’s nuanced flavors, making for a well-rounded, elegant meal that feels both sophisticated and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve this salad in individual stemmed glasses or small plates for a party setting. You can also layer it in a clear trifle bowl to show off its colors in a stunning presentation. Another fun idea is to wrap the salad in large butter lettuce leaves for a handheld salad wrap experience that’s playful and perfect for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible. Keep the greens in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, while the pears and brie should be refrigerated in separate containers to maintain their textures. Toasted nuts are best kept in a cool, dry place or sealed container.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh greens and soft cheese, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would compromise the crispness of the arugula and the creamy texture of the brie, resulting in a less enjoyable experience.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh. There’s no need for reheating, but if you do want to enjoy the warm nuts or slightly melted brie, allow them to come to room temperature before adding to the salad or serve those components on the side to warm gently before assembling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the brie with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor shine in this salad, goat cheese or camembert can be great alternatives if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to choose pears for this salad?
Look for ripe but firm pears, like Bartlett or Anjou, that yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should be juicy but not overly soft, to maintain texture once sliced.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be whisked together a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before tossing with the greens to bring all the flavors back to life.
Is it okay to omit the nuts if I have allergies?
Definitely. To keep the crunch, try substituting with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, or simply omit them altogether. The salad will still taste amazing.
How can I make this salad more filling for a main course?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa to the Pear & Brie Salad Recipe to boost protein and make it a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.
Final Thoughts
This Pear & Brie Salad Recipe is nothing short of a little bowl of happiness—fresh, flavorful, and fast to whip up. Whether you are making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, it brings a special touch of elegance that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this beautifully balanced salad a new favorite that livens up your table again and again.
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Pear & Brie Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting nuts)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and elegant Pear & Brie Salad combining peppery arugula, sweet ripe pears, creamy brie cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfectly balanced with optional dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for a light lunch or appetizer.
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 Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, place the arugula or mixed greens as the foundation of your salad.
- Add Pears: Core and slice the pears thinly, then arrange them evenly over the greens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Nuts: Thinly slice the brie cheese and scatter it across the salad along with the toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Add Optional Fruit: If using, sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds over the salad for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving and gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate pears and cheese.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- For a vegan version, substitute brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness in the dressing by omitting or adding more honey according to taste.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the freshness and texture of ingredients.
