The Ultimate Ina Garten Roasted Pear Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Roasted pear salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that delights the senses.

Elegant yet approachable, this vibrant dish balances sweet and savory notes with remarkable precision.

Crisp greens provide a verdant foundation for caramelized fruit, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Nutty undertones from toasted nuts complement the soft, tender pears that emerge golden and fragrant from the oven.

Creamy cheese crumbles add richness and tang, while bright vinaigrette cuts through the deeper flavors with zesty brightness.

Each carefully composed bite tells a story of seasonal ingredients harmonizing in perfect proportion.

Fresh elements dance together, promising a memorable dining moment that feels both sophisticated and comforting: dive in and savor every forkful.

Why Roasted Pear Salad Feels Fancy Yet Easy

• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform ordinary pears into a gourmet experience by roasting them with maple syrup, creating a caramelized, sweet-savory flavor profile that turns a basic salad into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Quick Luxury in Minutes: Prepare this elegant salad in just 25 minutes, combining minimal effort with maximum taste by roasting pears and whisking a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a sophisticated yet incredibly easy meal.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast of crisp salad greens, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and soft roasted pears that dance together in every single bite, making each forkful an exciting culinary adventure.
• Seasonal Celebration: Showcase autumn's bounty with this versatile recipe that highlights fresh pears, pomegranate arils, and pecans, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a special lunch that feels like a gourmet treat.

What You’ll Need for Roasted Sweetness

• Pears: Sweet and tender fruit that gets caramelized when roasted, select ripe but firm pears for best texture.
• Salad Greens: Fresh and crisp base for the salad, choose a mix of baby greens for varied flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to the vinaigrette, fresh clove preferred.

• Pecans: Crunchy and buttery nuts that provide texture and depth, toasted version intensifies flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that adds richness to the salad, soft variety works best.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and versatile oil used for roasting pears and making vinaigrette, extra virgin recommended.
• Maple Syrup: Sweet liquid that helps caramelize pears, pure maple syrup has the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright and acidic component that balances the dressing, fresh squeezed preferred.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that helps emulsify the vinaigrette, smooth variety works well.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor, freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Pomegranate Arils: Jewel-like seeds that add burst of color and sweet-tart flavor, fresh or packaged both work.

How to Roast Pears for Peak Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for some delicious roasting action.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Pears

• Grab fresh pears
• Slice them elegantly
• Spread onto a baking sheet
• Drizzle with
• Olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Sprinkle salt
• Dust with black pepper

Step 3: Create Roasted Pear Magic

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the pears transform for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized. Pull out and let them rest and cool slightly.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Blend until the dressing looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 5: Compose The Stunning Salad

• Fresh salad greens
• Crunchy pecans
• Creamy goat cheese
• Bright pomegranate seeds

Add your roasted pear slices on top, drizzle with the tangy lemon vinaigrette, and gently toss everything together. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips to Balance Sweet and Savory Notes

• Select Perfect Pears: Pick firm, ripe pears that will caramelize beautifully without turning mushy during roasting.
• Toast Nuts for Maximum Flavor: Gently roast pecans in a dry skillet to release their natural oils and create an intense, nutty aroma that elevates the entire salad.
• Squeeze Fresh Citrus: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice to add a vibrant, zesty kick that bottled versions simply can't replicate.
• Prevent Wilted Greens: Allow roasted pears to cool for a few minutes before combining with delicate salad greens to maintain their crisp texture.
• Balance Vinaigrette Carefully: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors that complement the roasted pears.

How to Store It Without Wilt

• Refrigeration Technique: Divide salad components strategically before storing. Separate delicate greens, roasted pears, and crumbled cheese in individual sealed containers to maintain crisp textures. This method preserves each ingredient's integrity and prevents soggy lettuce or wilted pears.
• Dressing Strategy: Keep homemade vinaigrette in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate separately for up to 5 days. Shake vigorously before drizzling over salad just moments before serving to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.
• Advance Preparation: Roast pears and toast nuts up to 24 hours ahead. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers at room temperature. These prepped ingredients will streamline salad assembly and reduce day-of cooking stress.

Variations for Pear-Perfect Salads

• Autumn Harvest Remix: Swap pears with roasted butternut squash, add crispy bacon bits, and use blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a heartier fall-inspired salad.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pecans with toasted pine nuts, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate dried oregano into the vinaigrette for a Greek-style interpretation.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Substitute roasted pears with grilled peaches, sprinkle chili-lime seasoned pepitas, include crumbled queso fresco, and add a dash of chipotle to the vinaigrette for a zesty kick.
• Winter Citrus Edition: Use blood orange segments instead of pomegranate, swap pears with roasted fennel, include candied walnuts, and infuse the dressing with fresh orange zest for a bright, refreshing profile.

Roasted Pear Salad Recap

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s roasted pear salad, where elegance meets simplicity on a plate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating harmonious flavor profiles that celebrate seasonal freshness.

Roasted pears caramelize with maple syrup, lending subtle sweetness to crisp greens and tangy goat cheese.

Pomegranate arils provide jewel-like bursts of color and brightness against the salad’s earthy backdrop.

Lemon vinaigrette whispers delicate notes of brightness, connecting each ingredient with zesty sophistication.

Her recipe invites companions to savor each thoughtful bite, sharing delightful moments around a table where culinary creativity knows no boundaries – you’ll want to snap a photo, tag @inagarten, share this masterpiece, and spark conversation among fellow food enthusiasts.

Ina Garten Roasted Pear Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted pear salad brings elegant French countryside flavors to your table with caramelized pears and tangy goat cheese. Crisp greens and toasted walnuts create a sophisticated balance of textures that delights palates and elevates simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Produce:

• 3 pears (green or red Anjou or Bartlett), cored & cut into 8 equal pieces
• 6 cups spring mix or combination of salad greens, including arugula
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pomegranate arils

Nuts and Cheese:

• 1 cup pecans (walnuts or hazelnuts), lightly toasted
• 0.5 cup crumbled goat cheese (approximately 5 ounces)

Oils, Seasonings, and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (honey or agave nectar)
• 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the roasting surface by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and warming the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
2. Carefully slice the pears into uniform thin wedges, ensuring consistent thickness for even roasting.
3. Arrange pear slices in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between each slice.
4. Delicately drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pear slices, followed by a light stream of pure maple syrup.
5. Season the pear slices with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the pears for 12 to 15 minutes until they develop golden edges and become slightly caramelized.
7. Remove the roasted pears from the oven and allow them to cool and rest for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
8. While the pears cool, create the vibrant lemon vinaigrette by combining extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
9. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients vigorously until they blend into a smooth, emulsified dressing.
10. In a large salad bowl, combine fresh mixed salad greens, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and bright pomegranate arils.
11. Gently place the roasted pear slices atop the salad ingredients.
12. Drizzle the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
13. Toss the salad with a light hand to integrate all ingredients without bruising the delicate components.
14. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s texture and temperature.

Notes

• Preserve pear integrity by selecting varieties that maintain structure during roasting, like Anjou or Bartlett.
• Elevate nutty flavors through careful toasting, transforming pecans into crunchy, aromatic salad enhancers.
• Squeeze lemons moments before dressing preparation to capture vibrant, zesty essence impossible with pre-bottled alternatives.
• Allow roasted pears a brief cooling moment before introducing them to delicate greens, preventing premature wilting.
• Experiment with nut varieties like walnuts or hazelnuts to discover unexpected flavor dimensions and textural intrigue.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg