Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing

If you’re looking for a salad that tastes like fall in every bite, this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is the one. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for the holiday table but is simple enough to whip up on a regular Tuesday. Sweet ripe pears, crunchy toasted nuts, and creamy feta all tossed in a zippy, homemade maple-lemon vinaigrette—what’s not to love?

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this salad has your back. You’ll love how easily it comes together, and the flavor combination is truly something special. Ready to make a salad that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This salad isn’t just pretty on the plate—it checks all the boxes:

• It’s quick and easy. You’re looking at just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

• The flavor balance is spot on—sweet pears, tangy lemon, and savory cheese.

• It’s flexible. You can serve it as a side dish, make it heartier with protein, or enjoy it all on its own.

And the best part? Everything in it is fresh and wholesome, so you can feel good about every bite.

Suitable For

This salad is a crowd-pleaser for just about any occasion:

• Holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas (those colors are festive!).

• Dinner parties when you want a lighter side.

• Weeknight meals because it’s just that easy.

• Vegetarian diets, and it’s simple to make it vegan too.

Whether you're hosting or just feeding your family, this salad brings something special to the table.

Ingredients for Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing

Core Ingredients

Let’s start with the essentials. These ingredients make up the heart of the recipe:

• Fresh baby spinach – Tender, mild, and packed with nutrients. It’s the perfect base.

• Ripe pear – Bartlett or Bosc pears work beautifully. Thin slices add sweetness and elegance.

• Toasted walnuts or pecans – A quick toast in the oven brings out their flavor and crunch.

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese – Creamy and tangy, this is the secret to richness in every bite.

• Red onion or shallots (optional) – Thin slices add sharpness and depth if you’re into that.

• Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing – A bright and tangy homemade vinaigrette that pulls everything together.

And just like that, you’ve got a salad with layers of flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Tips

One of the best things about this salad is how adaptable it is:

• No feta? Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free crumble can work.

• No nuts? Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch.

• Want it sweeter? Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dates.

• No maple syrup? Honey is a great substitute and works just as well in the dressing.

• Making it vegan? Skip the cheese or use a vegan variety, and you're good to go.

Feel free to make it your own based on what you have in the pantry or what’s in season.

Best Pears for Pear Spinach Salad

The right pear makes all the difference. You’re looking for one that’s:

• Ripe but still firm (so it doesn’t turn mushy in the salad),

• Sweet and juicy,

• Easy to slice thinly without falling apart.

Bartlett pears are sweet and juicy—perfect for a soft bite. Bosc pears have a firmer texture and hold up nicely if you’re prepping ahead. Comice pears are ultra-sweet and luxurious, ideal if you want a more indulgent twist.

Tip: Slice your pears just before serving so they don’t brown. A little lemon juice can help keep them fresh if you need to prep a few minutes ahead.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this salad with ease:

• A large salad bowl – Something roomy for gentle tossing.

• A small whisk or fork – For mixing up that vinaigrette.

• A good chef’s knife – Essential for slicing pears and onions.

Nice-to-Have Tools

While you can totally make this salad with basic kitchen gear, these extras can make things even smoother:

• Salad spinner – If you’re washing fresh spinach, this saves time and avoids soggy leaves.

• Mandoline slicer – Great for super-thin, elegant pear slices.

• Mason jar – Shake up your dressing right in the jar and pop it in the fridge for later.

How to Make Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing

This salad might look like something you’d see at a holiday dinner party, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. If you can slice a pear and whisk a dressing, you’re more than ready. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad that’s as good for casual weeknights as it is for Thanksgiving.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Let’s start with the dressing—it’s what ties everything together.

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Now, here’s the key: slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons of olive oil while whisking steadily. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy texture—that’s called emulsifying, and it’s what makes your dressing cling to every leaf of spinach instead of sliding right off.

Taste it. You’re looking for a bright, tangy flavor with just enough sweetness to balance the mustard. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Adjust to your liking—this part is all about what tastes good to you.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Before assembling, let’s get everything ready so the final toss is effortless.

Toast the nuts.
If you’re using raw walnuts or pecans, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for about 7–10 minutes. Keep a close eye—nuts can go from golden to burnt fast. Toasting deepens their flavor and adds that irresistible crunch.

Slice the pear.
Choose a ripe but firm pear. Core it, then slice it thinly just before assembling. If you need to slice ahead, a light squeeze of lemon juice will keep them from browning.

Optional add-ins:

• Crumble your feta or goat cheese ahead of time.

• Soak a handful of dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up.

• Thinly slice red onion or shallots if you’re using them—they bring a nice sharp contrast to the sweetness of the pears.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

This is where it all comes together.

In a large mixing bowl or on a platter, add:

• 4 cups of fresh baby spinach

• Sliced pear

• Toasted nuts

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Optional: red onion or shallots, and those juicy cranberries

Drizzle on just enough dressing to lightly coat everything. Gently toss to combine—go easy here so the pears and cheese stay intact.

That’s it. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of texture in every bite.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your salad turns out just right every time? These tips will help.

• Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice lacks that bright, clean flavor that makes the dressing shine.

• Toast the nuts. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

• Dress lightly. Start with a little dressing—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Nobody wants soggy spinach.

• Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The pears stay crisp, and the spinach doesn’t wilt.

How to Store Pear Spinach Salad

If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, here’s how to store each part of the salad.

At Room Temperature

Once dressed, don’t leave the salad out for more than an hour. The spinach wilts, and the pears can brown quickly. Serve it fresh when possible.

In the Refrigerator

If you want to prep ahead, store the components separately:

• Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Store the spinach, pears, cheese, and nuts in separate containers.

• Assemble and dress right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing Tips

This salad isn’t freezer-friendly. The delicate spinach and juicy pears don’t hold up well in the freezer. But the dressing? You can freeze it for a month—just shake it well once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep most of it in advance. Toast the nuts, mix the dressing, and prep your cheese and onion. Just wait to slice the pear and toss everything together until right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

What kind of pear works best?

Bartlett and Bosc are both excellent choices. They’re sweet, slice easily, and hold their shape well in a salad. Make sure they’re ripe but still firm.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Skip the cheese or swap in a dairy-free version. The dressing is naturally vegan if you use pure maple syrup.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, turkey breast, or even roasted chickpeas make great additions if you want to turn this into a main dish.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing, you might also enjoy:

• Apple Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Healthy Eating
  A crisp, fruit-forward salad perfect for warm days.

• Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad
  A sweet-spinach combo salad featuring berries and citrus—another seasonal favorite.

• Watermelon Salad with Feta
  Cool and juicy with a salty kick from cheese, this pairs perfectly with similar vinaigrettes.

Conclusion

This Pear Spinach Salad with Maple-Lemon Mustard Dressing is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to bring something special to the table, this salad delivers. Try it once, and you’ll be reaching for it again and again.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you try any variations? Add some cranberries? Swap in goat cheese? Let me know!

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