Pear Salad with Feta and Cranberries
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!
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. 🙂
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
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.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a skillet over medium low heat for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Place the lettuce, pear, dried cranberries, feta and toasted almonds in a bowl. Toss gently with enough dressing to coat.
FAQs
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.
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.
Serving suggestions
This pear feta salad pairs perfectly with every day dinners and holiday entrees alike.
- It’s great for busy weeknights with air fryer pork chops and air fryer chicken breast.
- Serve alongside a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup or white bean turkey chili.
- Serve for Sunday dinner with spatchcock chicken or beef bourguignon.
- It’s wonderful for Thanksgiving served with roast turkey and spatchcock turkey.
- It pairs beautifully with Slow cooker ham and turkey breast for Christmas and Easter.
Recipe 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.
More easy salad recipes:
- Butter lettuce salad
- Caesar salad by Natasha’s Kitchen
- Citrus salad
- Fig salad
- Horiatiki
- Pomegranate salad
- Radicchio salad
- Spinach apple salad
- Spring mix salad
- Strawberry salad
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
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
- ⅓ 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
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**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.
52 Comments on “Pear Salad with Feta and Cranberries”
I have what I gather is an older version of this salad with “fresh pear vinaigrette.” I was going to make it…and then checked your website and discovered this one. Both versions look good and I’m wondering which to try. Perhaps the balsamic vinaigrette ended up being a better complement or the fresh pear didn’t keep well? Could you share any thoughts? Thanks.
Yes, you’re correct…the old version included a pear vinaigrette. That dressing was delicious, but the fresh pear did discolor after a day or so. I decided to simplify the recipe with balsamic, but you really can’t go wrong either way. 🙂
As a pear lover, I’ve got to try this! I’m wondering how long does the pear dressing last in the frig? Does it darker with time? This is partly to gauge how far in advance one can prep things. Thanks.
The dressing does darken with time — normally I use it within 3 days.
I agree, the salad sounds/looks amazing….but all these reviews and NO ONE has posted a review after actually making it. Those reviews would be far more helpful than just tossing compliments back and for. I’ve made it for my family today- I tasted the dressing to ensure s&p levels were correct…I think the olive oil is too heavy. I plan to try and make it again with a lighter oil.
Unfortunately I have no control over the feedback on my recipes. I appreciate your taking the time to leave yours!
Just made this pear vinaigrette and it latest AMAZING! Thanks for the recipe! I am looking forward to all my spring salads!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the dressing, Jena –it’s one of my favorites! I really appreciate the feedback! 🙂
Mmmmmm, what is it about pears and cranberries? And that fresh pear vinaigrette….my mouth is watering.
The pear-cranberry thing is real! Thanks, Rachael! 🙂
Pear vinaigrette!? That sounds amazing, Marcie! The perfect salad for fall!
The dressing is totally drink-able! 🙂
Wow, the pear dressing really sounds amazing. Ripe pears are one of my favorite fall treats. This is such a perfect seasonal salad!
Pears have always been a favorite of mine, and I can’t believe I never thought to make a dressing out of them! Thanks, Jess! 🙂
I’ve totally never had pear dressing before… and now I’m wondering why the heck not?!?! It’s such a great idea! LOVE pears! Great idea Marcie!
I saw pear vinaigrette on a restaurant menu — didn’t have the salad, but I made a mental note to get making that dressing! haha Thanks, Chris! 🙂
This is such a perfect salad for the holidays! I’m in charge of the salad course this year, and I must serve this!
That dressing sounds absolutely amazing, and I love everything you put in this salad! The cranberry and pear combination sounds delicious.
Thank you, Rachel! 🙂
Fruit and Nut salads are my favorite. I can’t wait to try your homemade dressing. The ingredients sound fabulous!
Thank you, Christin! 🙂
Love the pun…guess that makes me a nerd, too? 🙂 Thanks, Lindsey, and hope you’re having a great weekend!
Love this salad Marcie, the dressing sounds amazing!
Thank you, Cheri! I was eating that dressing by the spoonful!