Pear & Brie Salad

Imagine biting into crisp, juicy pears, perfectly complemented by creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Brie cheese, all tossed together with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette. Sounds dreamy, right? The Pear & Brie Salad is exactly that—simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor. This salad is like the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with each bite offering a delightful combination of textures. The crunchy pears, the rich creaminess of Brie, and the fresh greens create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a starter for your next dinner party, this salad will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Pear & Brie Salad

This salad has a little bit of everything, making it the perfect addition to almost any meal. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Sweet & Savory Perfection: The juicy, crisp pears balance beautifully with the creamy, slightly tangy Brie. Together, they create a flavor combo that’s truly irresistible.
Quick & Easy: In just a few minutes, you can have this beautiful salad ready to serve. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something fresh without the hassle.
Elegant Yet Simple: It looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party but is simple enough to make on a busy weekday. The best of both worlds!
Fresh & Light: With light greens and juicy pears, this salad feels refreshing and light, perfect for a healthy meal or side.
Customizable: Want to add some extra crunch? Toss in some walnuts or almonds. Looking for a pop of color? Pomegranate seeds work wonders. This salad is incredibly adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients in Pear & Brie Salad

This salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients that work together effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Pears: Sweet, crisp pears are the star of this salad, adding a juicy burst of flavor and crunch.
Brie Cheese: Soft, creamy Brie adds richness and a slight tang that perfectly complements the pears.
Mixed Greens (Arugula, Spinach, or Baby Kale): A bed of fresh, peppery greens gives the salad a refreshing base and balances the sweetness of the pears.
Candied Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For a little extra sweetness and crunch, candied nuts bring a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the Brie and the juicy pears.
Balsamic Glaze or Vinaigrette: A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze or a simple vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.
Olive Oil (for the dressing): A touch of olive oil in your dressing adds richness and ties the ingredients together beautifully.
Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the salad and adds a zesty touch.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this Pear & Brie Salad is as easy as tossing ingredients together, and in just a few steps, you’ll have a beautiful dish ready to enjoy!

Prep the Ingredients:

Start by washing and drying your greens. Slice the pears thinly (no need to peel them, the skin adds color and texture). Cut the Brie into small wedges or thin slices.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced pears, and Brie slices. If you’re using candied nuts, sprinkle them on top for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.

Make the Dressing:

For a simple dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze (or your choice of vinaigrette), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to break up the delicate Brie slices. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor!

How to Serve Pear & Brie Salad

This salad can stand alone as a light lunch or be served as a beautiful side dish. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Main Dish: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal. The richness of the meat pairs wonderfully with the creamy Brie and sweet pears.
• As a Starter: Serve it as an appetizer to kick off a dinner party. Its light, elegant nature makes it a perfect introduction to a meal.
• With Soup: Pair it with a bowl of creamy soup like butternut squash or tomato basil for a comforting yet light meal.
• On Its Own: Sometimes, a salad is just perfect on its own! Enjoy it with a crusty baguette or some fresh crackers to complete the meal.

Additional Tips

• Try Different Cheeses: While Brie is classic, you can switch things up with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer.
• Add a Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, steak, or even some crispy bacon.
• Keep it Fresh: Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the pears fresh. If you’re preparing ahead of time, store the dressing separately.
• Go Nut-Free: If you prefer to skip the nuts, you can replace them with seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for a crunchier texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and the Brie from getting too soft. However, you can prepare the dressing and slice the pears ahead of time—just toss it all together at the last minute.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! Goat cheese, feta, or even a sharp cheddar would all work beautifully in this salad. Brie is mild and creamy, so if you want more flavor, feel free to experiment with different cheeses.

Q3: Can I make this salad vegan?
A3: Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by skipping the Brie and adding a plant-based cheese or simply using extra nuts for richness. You can also use a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing.

Q4: Can I use a different dressing?
A4: Yes! While a balsamic glaze or vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this salad, you can try other dressings like honey mustard, poppy seed, or a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.

Q5: Can I use other fruits in place of pears?
A5: Definitely! Apples, figs, or even peaches would work wonderfully as a substitute for pears, giving the salad a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Q6: How can I keep the pears from browning?
A6: To prevent browning, toss the pear slices in a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help preserve their fresh look and crisp texture.

Q7: Can I add a sweetener to the dressing?
A7: If you like a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette. It adds a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the creamy Brie and juicy pears.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
A8: Of course! Thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, or even some roasted beets would add extra crunch and flavor. Just be mindful not to overwhelm the delicate flavors of the pears and Brie.

Q9: How long will this salad last?
A9: It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Just know that the pears may soften, and the greens may wilt a bit.

Q10: How can I make this salad more filling?
A10: To make it more filling, add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or a hard-boiled egg. You can also add some quinoa or farro for extra texture and heartiness.

Conclusion

The Pear & Brie Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy, with just the right amount of freshness. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a beautiful side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this salad checks all the boxes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish that will impress with minimal effort. So grab some fresh pears, creamy Brie, and your favorite greens, and treat yourself to this delightful salad!

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