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Colorful bowl of harvest salad pears pecans with greens and cheese.

Harvest Salad with Pears & Pecans

The harvest salad pears pecans combination captures the best of early autumn—rich textures, earthy nuts, and gentle sweetness from ripe fruit. Each bite brings together tender greens, juicy pears, and caramelized pecans for a dish that feels indulgent yet healthy.
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Course: Fall Recipes, Healthy, Quick & Easy, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: autumn salad, fall salad, goat cheese salad, maple vinaigrette, pears pecans salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Toasting Nuts: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • Mixed greens 150 g / 5.3 oz: Provide a fresh, crisp base.
  • Ripe pears thinly sliced (200 g / 7 oz): Add sweetness and juiciness.
  • Pecans lightly toasted (80 g / 2.8 oz): Offer nuttiness and crunch.
  • Crumbled goat cheese 60 g / 2.1 oz: Brings a creamy tang that balances the fruit.
  • Dried cranberries 40 g / 1.4 oz: Contribute gentle tartness and color.
  • Olive oil 45 g / 1.6 oz: Forms the smooth base of the vinaigrette.
  • Apple cider vinegar 15 g / 0.5 oz: Adds zesty acidity for balance.
  • Honey 10 g / 0.35 oz: Sweetens and rounds out the dressing.
  • Dijon mustard 5 g / 0.17 oz: Enhances flavor complexity and binds the dressing.
  • Ground black pepper and sea salt to taste: Finish the flavors elegantly.
  • The key fresh ingredients for harvest salad pears pecans prepared for mixing.

Instructions

  • Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  • Slice the pears thinly just before assembling so they retain color and freshness.
  • Combine greens, pears, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese gently in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the dressing evenly, toss delicately, and taste for final seasoning adjustments.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures at their best.

Notes

Substitute blue cheese or feta if goat cheese isn’t your favorite, or swap walnuts for pecans for a bolder crunch.
For quicker prep, toast a large batch of nuts and store them airtight for up to two weeks—ideal for topping salads or desserts.
This harvest salad pears pecans mix pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash for a heartier meal.
Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to five days; shake before each use.
To maintain texture, dress only individual portions if making ahead for a party or lunchbox meal.
A hearty serving of harvest salad pears pecans ready to enjoy.