Skip to main content

Perfect Pear Salad

Created by Epicurious member Kathe Miller from Chelan, Washington, this beautiful salad has a wonderful presentation as well as a rich taste. Try it as a starter, or as a satisfying lunch. Miller recommends pears that are tender but crisp, giving the salad a divine texture and bite that is at once crunchy and juicy.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into large dice
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups(loosely packed) baby spinach leaves
1 Anjou pear, peeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3/4 cup coarsely grated Asiago cheese (about 5 ounces)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, cut into fine dice 2 tablespoons shallot, minced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet over moderately high heat, sauté the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain. Set aside.

    Step 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the spinach with half the dressing.

    Step 3

    Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Top with the pear slices. Sprinkle the bacon, cheese, red pepper, and shallot over each plate. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Like tiny tomato galettes and chimichurri grilled shrimp.
Punchy, make-ahead chimichurri adds a bright, fresh finish to this easy summer dinner.
With a crisp crust, garlicky mayo, and a juicy slice of tomato.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Attention, martini drinkers and spritz drinkers: Please for a single line.
Use the beer, not the can, for this citrusy take on a classic that nods to mojo criollo.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.