Fall salads don’t get much better than this crisp, refreshing Pear Salad! It’s a delicious blend of juicy pears, chewy cranberries, feta cheese and toasted almonds, and it’s tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s great for any occasion and it comes together in minutes!

Pear Salad with feta and cranberries

Fall may mean comfort food for some, but I love preparing fall salads most of all because some of my favorite produce is available.

My kale apple salad and persimmon salad are perfect for busy weeknights because they’re quick to put together, and they’re also great for special gatherings because they’re so festive.

This Pear Salad with Feta and Cranberries has been one of my go-to recipes for 15 solid years.  It was actually the first recipe I posted back in 2012 because I couldn’t think of a better way to start things off.

It was inspired by a salad that was served at my old roommate’s birthday party many years ago, and it blew me (and everyone else) away.

I’ve made it my own over the years, and it quickly became a family favorite. It makes an appearance at numerous family gatherings such as birthdays and holidays.

It’s tried and true tradition. 🙂

Pear salad with feta in a white bowl

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This pear salad recipes is packed with addictive textures and flavors that everyone adores.
  • It comes together in minutes, and is perfect for every day or holidays and special occasions.
  • It’s easily customized with your favorite greens, dressing or add-in’s.

Recipe ingredients

Pear salad recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Pears. Choose pears that are ripe yet firm with no discoloration. While I prefer Bartlett pears, your favorite variety will work great.
  • Lettuce. I love using a blend of crisp romaine lettuce and spring greens for color and flavor, but this salad is versatile and will work with your favorite greens.
  • Feta cheese. Sub with goat cheese or omit altogether to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan.
  • Dried cranberries. The tart-sweet flavor of the dried cranberries really make this pear salad special. They may be substituted with dried cherries if you prefer.
  • Almonds. Sub the almonds with walnuts, pecans or pepitas if you have a nut allergy.
  • Balsamic dressing. Sub the balsamic vinegar in the dressing with white balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar for a lighter touch. My apple cider vinegar dressing is also a great choice.

How to make this pear feta salad

This salad is super special and it couldn’t be easier to make!

You can toast the almonds and prep the dressing up to a few days in advance to make prep time even faster.

Pro tip:  Do not toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving time as it will wilt down.

How to make pear salad
  1. Toast the slivered almonds in a skillet over medium low heat for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
  2. Place the lettuce, pear, dried cranberries, feta and toasted almonds in a bowl. Toss gently with enough dressing to coat.
Pear feta salad recipe ingredients in a bowl

FAQs

What are the best pears for salad?

I prefer using Bartlett pears for their sweet flavor, but your favorite variety will work as well.

Make sure the pears are ripe yet firm, and there’s no need to peel them. The peel adds color, texture and nutrition.

Can pear salad be prepared in advance?

Toast the almonds and prepare the dressing up to a few days in advance, but for best results, do not toss the salad until just before serving as it will wilt down.

Pear salad in a white bowl with balsamic dressing

Serving suggestions

This pear feta salad pairs perfectly with every day dinners and holiday entrees alike.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tipDo not toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving time as it will wilt down. 
  • Nutrition information does not include the dressing as that information is in a separate post.
  • Purchase pre-toasted slivered almonds at Trader Joe’s for a time saver!
  • Customize this salad with your favorite greens, cheese or nuts.  The balsamic vinaigrette may be subbed with apple cider vinegar dressing or your favorite store bought variety.
Pear salad in a bowl with feta, cranberries and balsamic

More easy salad recipes:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Pear Salad with feta and cranberries

Pear Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Pear Salad is crisp, fresh and is guaranteed to be a family favorite! It's a delicious blend of juicy pears, chewy cranberries, feta cheese and almonds, and it's tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette!
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 6 ounces lettuce your favorite! I used half romaine and half spring lettuce
  • 1 large ripe Bartlett pear cored and sliced into 1" pieces; pear should be ripe yet firm
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • cup dried cranberries
  • balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions 

  • Toast the almonds in a skillet over medium low heat for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant, tossing every few minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
    1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • Place the lettuce, sliced pear, dried cranberries, feta and toasted almonds in a bowl.
    6 ounces lettuce, 1 large ripe Bartlett pear, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ⅓ cup dried cranberries
  • Add the desired amount of balsamic dressing and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
    balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Notes

  • Pro tip:  Do not toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving time as it will wilt down. 
  • Nutrition information does not include the dressing as that information is in a separate post.
  • Purchase pre-toasted slivered almonds at Trader Joe’s for a time saver!
  • Customize this salad with your favorite greens, cheese or nuts.  The balsamic vinaigrette may be subbed with apple cider vinegar dressing or your favorite store bought variety.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 191mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 2533IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 94mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This post was originally published in September 2012. The photos and recipe have been updated, and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.

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