Cheese And Pear Salad: Perfect Pairing Ideas

A pear salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavours, with the sweetness of the fruit balanced by rich, nutty or cheesy flavours. The type of cheese you choose for your pear salad depends on the other ingredients and the overall effect you want to create. For instance, blue cheese is a popular pairing with pears, and there are several varieties to choose from, including Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Danish blue cheese. If you're new to blue cheese, start with Blue Castello, which is mild and good value. You could also use shaved Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta cheese.

Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or other blue cheeses

Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and other blue cheeses are classic pairings with pears in a salad. These cheeses are sharp, salty, and tangy, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet and juicy pears.

When choosing a blue cheese for your pear salad, opt for one that is creamy yet firm enough to crumble into chunks. This ensures that the cheese sticks to the salad ingredients without being too soft or too crumbly.

Roquefort

Roquefort is a famous French cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a creamy texture that makes it spreadable, yet it is firm enough to crumble. This cheese is a popular choice for blue cheese salads and pairs exceptionally well with pears.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that comes in a range of textures, from ultra-creamy to crumbly. For a pear salad, consider Gorgonzola Piccante, which has a rounded flavour, or Gorgonzola Dolce, which is milder and offers excellent value.

British Stilton

Stilton is a sharp and bold-flavoured cheese. It is best suited for those who enjoy a strong, pungent cheese. For a smoother flavour, opt for an aged Stilton.

In addition to these options, Danish blue cheese is a good value choice, and Blue Castello is an excellent mild-flavoured option for those new to blue cheese.

When pairing blue cheese with pear salad, consider adding walnuts or other nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. A honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette dressing can also enhance the flavours of the cheese and pears, creating a well-rounded and delightful salad.

Honey mustard, balsamic, or maple syrup dressings

Honey mustard, balsamic, and maple syrup dressings all pair well with a pear salad.

Honey Mustard Dressing

A honey mustard dressing is a great option for a pear salad. This dressing typically includes honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard and vinegar complement the sweetness of the pears.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

A balsamic vinaigrette is another delicious choice for a pear salad. This dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, diced shallots, salt, and pepper. The dark balsamic vinegar has a stronger, more tart flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the pears.

Maple Syrup Dressing

A maple syrup dressing is a unique and tasty option for a pear salad. It is made with standard dressing ingredients like vinegar, mustard, and olive oil, but the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of fall flavours. This dressing is not overly sweet and has a nice balance of tang.

When choosing a cheese to pair with these dressings and a pear salad, options like blue cheese, Parmesan, gorgonzola, goat cheese, or feta would work well. The saltiness and sharpness of these cheeses will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the pears and the dressings.

Candied walnuts, pecans, or almonds

For a salad, combine greens such as arugula, baby kale, spinach, chard, or lettuce, with sliced pears, crumbled cheese, and candied walnuts or pecans. You can also add other ingredients like pomegranate seeds, cranberries, or avocado.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper is a good choice. You can also add cider vinegar, walnut oil, or hazelnut oil to the dressing.

Some suggested pear varieties for the salad include Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, and Packham.

Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens

Toasted walnuts are a great addition to an arugula, spinach, or mixed greens pear salad. Their nutty flavour combines well with the sweetness of the pears. Other nuts that work include pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts.

A honey mustard dressing is a good choice for an arugula pear salad. The honey adds sweetness, while the mustard emulsifies the dressing and adds a tangy flavour. Alternatively, a light vinaigrette made with lemon, white wine vinegar, and honey will also work well.

Pear Salad Recipe with Arugula, Spinach, or Mixed Greens

For a simple pear salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, start with your chosen green, then add sliced pears, walnuts or pecans, and crumbled blue cheese and/or goat cheese. You can also add sliced red onion for a tangy kick.

To make a honey mustard dressing, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Variations

• Use a combination of greens, such as arugula and spinach.
• Try different types of pears, such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou.
• Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the pecans.
• Add other ingredients like pomegranate seeds, cranberries, or dried apricots.

Chicken, fish, or pork as a main course

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be paired with a pear salad in a variety of ways. For a simple option, a roast chicken served with herb-garlic butter pan juices can be a beautiful classic accompaniment to a pear salad. Alternatively, you could try crispy herb-roasted chicken pieces, or for a more elaborate dish, a chicken salad wrap with pear and grapes. Chicken pairs well with the sweetness of pears and the crispness of salad ingredients, making it a refreshing and tasty combination.

Fish is not as commonly mentioned as a pairing with pear salad, however, there are some fish options that could complement the flavours of the salad. A light and flaky fish, such as cod or halibut, with a mild flavour could be a good choice. Consider grilling or baking the fish with a lemon-garlic marinade or a light herb crust to enhance its flavour. The key is to not overpower the delicate flavours of the pear salad.

Pork is another excellent option to pair with a pear salad. A pork tenderloin, served sliced on a bed of spinach with a balsamic vinaigrette, creates a fantastic and filling main dish salad. The sweetness of the pears can complement the savoury, slightly salty flavour of the pork. For a heartier option, consider a roast pork with crackling, or pork chops with a savoury rub. These combinations create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, blending the flavours of the pear salad with the richness of the pork.

Frequently asked questions