Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad: A Crisp, Flavorful Fall Classic
Celebrate fall with this vibrant pear and spiced walnut salad: a symphony of crisp veggies, warm spices, and bright flavors for every table.
Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad: A Perfect Autumn Dish
As the air turns crisp and days grow shorter, fall produce reaches its flavorful peak. Among the season’s best combinations is fresh pears with warm, spiced walnuts. This salad pairs the sweetness of Bartlett pears, the crunch of roasted walnuts, and the aromatic punch of fennel and arugula, brought together by a bright, citrusy vinaigrette. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, an impressive side, or a holiday table centerpiece, this Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad delivers nutrition, texture, and irresistible taste in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Celebrates Seasonal Produce: Uses pears, fennel, and arugula—all in their prime during fall.
- Packs a Nutritional Punch: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants for a wholesome meal.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps let fresh flavors shine; make-ahead friendly for busy days.
- Versatile for Any Table: Perfect for light lunches, festive dinners, or holiday entertaining.
- Bright, Bold Flavors & Crunch: Spiced nuts, zesty dressing, and vibrant greens elevate every mouthful.
Ingredient Spotlight
| Ingredient | Role in Salad |
|---|---|
| Pears (Bartlett recommended) | Sweetness and juicy texture |
| Walnuts | Crunch and healthy fats—spiced for a warm, aromatic note |
| Apple Pie Spice | Coats walnuts with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for fall warmth |
| Lemon Juice | Prevents pear browning, adds brightness to vinaigrette |
| Olive Oil | Vinaigrette’s rich base |
| Celery & Fennel | Fresh, crisp texture and subtle licorice flavor |
| Scallion | Mild onion bite |
| Arugula | Peppery greens for contrast |
| Salt & Pepper | Balances and enhances flavors |
Full Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 Bartlett pear, thinly sliced
- 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced (see tips below!)
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 2 small bunches of arugula (thick stems discarded)
Step-By-Step Directions
- Prepare the Spiced Walnuts:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss walnuts with apple pie spice in a small bowl.
- Spread walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Let cool, then chop roughly.
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss the Veggies and Fruit:
- Add sliced celery, pear, fennel, and scallion to the bowl. Toss lightly to coat.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Just before serving, gently toss arugula with the fruit and veggie mixture.
- Top with spiced walnuts. Serve immediately for ultimate freshness and crunch.
Expert Tips for the Best Pear Salad
- Choose the Right Pears: Bartlett pears work beautifully, but d’Anjou or Bosc can be used if you adjust for ripeness. You want pears that are ripe but still hold their shape—look for mostly yellow skin with a hint of firmness.
- Slice Just Before Serving: Pears brown quickly. Always slice and toss with lemon juice close to serving time.
- Prep Fennel Like a Pro: Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin pieces, which blend seamlessly into the salad and won’t dominate in flavor or texture.
- Arugula or Mixed Greens: Peppery arugula offers the most dramatic contrast, but spring greens, spinach, or baby kale work for variety.
Nutritional Highlights
This salad is as nutritious as it is eye-catching. With each serving, you’ll enjoy:
- 202 calories
- 4 g protein
- 15 g carbohydrates
- 5 g fiber (excellent for digestion)
- 15.5 g fat (mostly healthy unsaturated fats from olive oil and walnuts)
- 0 mg cholesterol
- 297 mg sodium
No added sugars. Nutritious and satisfying—perfect for healthy lunches or dinner starters.
What others are reading
Seasonal Variations and Serving Ideas
- Swap Fruit: Try thinly sliced apples for a crisper bite, or use Asian pears for extra juiciness.
- Add Cheese: Crumble in goat cheese, feta, or shaved pecorino for a creamy, tangy burst.
- Boost Crunch: Sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or extra nuts as desired.
- Make a Meal: Top with grilled chicken or salmon for a protein-packed main course.
- Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with ruby-red pomegranate seeds for festive color.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips
- Prep Ahead: Roast the walnuts and slice celery and fennel up to one day in advance. Wait to slice pears and toss salad until just before serving.
- Store Spiced Walnuts: Make extra spiced nuts as a snack. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Leftovers: Salad is best fresh, but undressed greens can be stored separately for 1 day in the fridge. Add fresh fruit and toss before eating.
Why Pears and Walnuts Make the Perfect Pair
Pears bring sweetness, juiciness, and high fiber, promoting digestion and keeping calories low. Walnuts add satisfying crunch plus omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Together, they create a salad that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
- Pears: Excellent source of vitamin C, copper, and potassium.
- Walnuts: Deliver antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein in every serving.
- Crisp Veggies (celery, fennel): Fresh, low-calorie crunch and subtle flavor depth.
- Greens (arugula): Antioxidants and a peppery bite to balance the sweetness of pears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different nut if I don’t have walnuts?
A: Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts offer similar crunch and work beautifully with pears and spice. Adjust roasting time as needed—smaller nuts may roast faster.
Q: What’s a good substitute for fennel?
A: Try thinly sliced radish or kohlrabi for crunch and mild flavor, or use extra celery if preferred.
Q: How do I keep pears from browning?
A: Toss slices immediately in lemon juice; this delays oxidation and adds a fresh, bright tang.
Q: Can this salad be made vegan?
A: The core recipe is already vegan. If you add cheese, choose a plant-based alternative if needed.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, every ingredient in this salad is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check pre-mixed spices and packaged nuts for additives if gluten is a concern.
More Healthy Fall Recipes from The Prevention Kitchen
- Crunchy Turkey Salad for Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Mocktail: Guava Margarita Recipe
- Healthy Peanut Butter-Banana Pancakes
- Roasted Cauliflower with Cranberry Dressing
- Red Pear Spritz (Festive Fall Mocktail)
- Coconut Collards with Sweet Potato Rounds
- Spiced Carrot Soup with Coconut Cream
- Salmon with Broccoli-Pea Puree
Conclusion: Celebrate Fall with Every Bite
This Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of autumn’s harvest, a lesson in balancing flavors and textures, and an invitation to eat fresh, wholesome foods every day. Whether for a cozy lunch or a festive dinner, make it the highlight of your next meal.
References
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/pear-salad-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a34703012/pear-and-spiced-walnut-salad-recipe/
- https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/pear-and-walnut-salad/
- https://2cookinmamas.com/healthy-pear-walnut-gorgonzola-salad/
- https://preventionrd.com/pear-and-gorgonzola-salad/
- https://preventionrd.com/meatless-monday-field-greens-with-pear-vinaigrette/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgzuzB2AAwM
- https://waystomyheart.com/candied-walnut-pear-salad/
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