I’m absolutely smitten with this Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze, and you will be too. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet roasted pears, crunchy toasted pecans, and that tangy-sweet white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s like fall jumped onto a plate and dressed itself in its Sunday best. The contrast of textures—crisp greens, juicy pears, crunchy nuts—creates a symphony of flavors that’ll have you wondering why you haven’t been making this all along.
Why You’ll Love this Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze
When the first autumn breeze rolls in, I start craving hearty meals that celebrate the season’s best flavors. This pear salad hits all the right notes – sweet, tangy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying.
The roasted pears become caramelized and tender, pairing perfectly with toasted pecans for that essential fall crunch. But can we talk about the dressing? That white balsamic vinaigrette, with its hint of maple sweetness, transforms ordinary greens into something magical.
It’s versatile, too. Need a heartier meal? Add some grilled chicken or salmon. Quick, elegant, and seasonally perfect.
What Ingredients are in Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
This salad brings together the perfect combination of fall flavors, with tender roasted pears taking center stage alongside a few simple but impactful ingredients.
- Mixed greens
- 2-3 ripe pears, sliced for roasting
- Pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
The quality of your ingredients really matters in a simple salad like this—try to find the ripest, most fragrant pears you can, and consider using a premium olive oil since the dressing has so few components.
How to Make this Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Making this gorgeous autumn salad is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preheating your oven to roast 2-3 ripe pears, which you’ll want to slice into elegant wedges first. Roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized around the edges—this brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely, soft texture that perfectly contrasts with the crisp greens.
While your pears are roasting, whisk together the dressing by combining 3 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup. The maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar, don’t you think? Give it a good whisk until everything is emulsified into a smooth, slightly thickened dressing. You could use a mason jar and shake it vigorously if whisking isn’t your thing—works just as well and feels a bit like making a cocktail.
For assembly, toss your mixed greens in a large bowl, add the roasted pears once they’ve cooled slightly, and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Those pecans, with their warm, nutty flavor, really take this salad to the next level. For the best results when toasting nuts or creating delicious caramelized pears, consider using a cast iron cookware which distributes heat evenly and maintains consistent temperature. Drizzle your white balsamic dressing over the top, give everything a gentle toss, and serve immediately. Want to make it a complete meal? Consider adding some grilled chicken or salmon as suggested in the recipe—protein makes this salad substantial enough for dinner on those crisp autumn evenings when you want something light yet satisfying.
What to Serve with Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Now that you’ve mastered the salad itself, let’s talk about perfect pairings that’ll turn this gorgeous pear salad into a complete meal experience. I’m thinking protein, folks. A piece of herb-roasted chicken breast or grilled salmon complements the sweetness of those roasted pears beautifully.
For a vegetarian option, why not try a creamy butternut squash soup on the side? The rich, velvety texture creates a divine contrast with the crisp greens.
Love bread with your salads? A crusty artisan loaf or garlic crostini makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up any remaining balsamic goodness.
Leftovers and Storage for this Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Most salads don’t fare well as leftovers, but with a little strategic thinking, you can enjoy this pear salad for an extra day or two.
The trick? Store each component separately. I keep my greens in one container, roasted pears in another, and that gorgeous white balsamic dressing in a little jar. The pecans stay crunchiest in their own spot, trust me on this one.
When you’re ready to eat, just combine what you need. Your greens will stay crisp, not wilted and sad. Who wants a soggy lunch, right?
Autumn Harvest Pear Salad with Balsamic Glaze Substitutions and Variations
Every great recipe deserves a little personalization, and this pear salad welcomes your creative touch. Don’t have white balsamic? Regular works beautifully, though it’ll darken the dressing slightly. Swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
Not pear season? Roasted apples or even sweet potato cubes make fantastic alternatives. For a heartier version, I love adding crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese—the creamy-tangy notes against sweet pears? Heaven.
You can also try a honey substitution for maple syrup in the dressing. The flavor profile shifts subtly, creating what I call a “spring variation” of this autumn classic.
Final Thoughts
As you explore the many variations of this autumn salad, I’m left thinking about why this simple dish holds such magic. Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of sweet roasted pears against the tangy balsamic, or maybe it’s how the crunchy pecans complement those tender greens.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe remains while staying true to its seasonal roots. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or enjoying it solo on a quiet weeknight, this pear salad reminds us that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.
For dessert, consider pairing this salad with a puff pastry tart that continues the elegant-yet-simple theme of your meal.