Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for a refreshing, delightful salad that balances crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing, then this Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe will absolutely win your heart. I love this one because it’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any season when you crave something light but satisfying. Stick with me—I’ll share all the little tips I’ve learned that make this salad a family favorite every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe calls for simple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. The sweetness of the fruit, creaminess from the dressing, and crunch from nuts bring it all together. Here’s a quick peek before you shop—trust me, the quality you pick for these makes a big difference.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the dressing; I prefer full-fat for richness.
• Half-and-half: Adds smoothness without being too heavy—feel free to swap with milk if you want it lighter.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness and vinegar perfectly; don’t skip it for best results.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives a lovely tang that wakes up the dressing.
• Poppy seeds: For that iconic crunch and subtle nuttiness—fresh seeds make a difference.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of depth; just a touch works wonders.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so be sure you add it.
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp and fresh—perfect for salad base and holds the dressing nicely.
• Swiss cheese: Thinly shredded adds a mild, nutty flavor.
• Roasted cashews: Coarsely chopped for crunch and buttery taste; you can toast them lightly for extra depth.
• Green pear: Choose firm yet ripe for perfect slice texture that won’t brown quickly.
• Honeycrisp apple: Sweet-tart and juicy, cubed small to complement the pear.
• Dried cranberries: Give bursts of chewy sweetness to contrast the fresh ingredients.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this salad your own. Over time, I’ve swapped out a few elements here and there depending on what I have in the kitchen, and every version turns out delicious. Don’t be shy about experimenting!

• Nut Swap: Sometimes I use toasted pecans or almonds instead of cashews for a different crunch profile.
• Dressing Twist: If I want a lighter dressing, I swap mayo for Greek yogurt—adds tang and creaminess without all the fat.
• Seasonal Fruits: In fall, I try adding pomegranate arils for added color and juicy pop.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayo and plant-based milk to make this totally plant-powered.

How to Make Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk up the Poppy Seed Dressing

This dressing comes together in literally a minute. Grab a small bowl and whisk the mayonnaise, half-and-half, sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and salt until it’s totally smooth and silky. Taste it and tweak—if you want it sweeter or tangier, just add a little more sugar or vinegar. I discovered that letting it sit while you prep the salad really helps the flavors blend.

Step 2: Prep and assemble the salad ingredients

Chop your romaine into bite-size pieces and shred the Swiss cheese. Slice the pear thin so it’s easy to bite, and cube the Honeycrisp apple small enough to sneak into every forkful. If you want to avoid browning on the fruit, toss with a little lemon juice, but I usually find it’s not necessary since the salad gets served quickly.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

In a large bowl, toss the chopped lettuce, cheese, sliced pear, apple cubes, cashews, and dried cranberries together. Just before serving, drizzle your beautiful poppy seed dressing over everything and toss gently to coat well. I like to serve individual portions with a bit of everything in each forkful—makes it more fun and balanced.

How to Serve Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish this salad with a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds or a few fresh basil leaves for a herbaceous touch. Sometimes, a grating of fresh Parmesan adds a savory twist that pairs surprisingly well with the fruit and creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, but I’ve also paired it with crispy baguette slices and sharp cheddar for a light lunch. On busy days, it’s a perfect partner for quiche or a small bowl of soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I layered the salad ingredients in a large glass trifle bowl for an elegant buffet presentation—looks stunning and lets guests scoop as much dressing as they want. For parties, serving it in individual mason jars creates a fun, grab-and-go vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this salad has fresh fruit and lettuce, I keep leftovers undressed and stored tightly in the fridge. When I’m ready to eat, I toss the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. I recommend eating leftovers within 1-2 days for best taste.

Freezing

This salad isn’t great for freezing because fresh fruit and greens lose their texture. The dressing, however, can be frozen in an airtight container if you want to prep it ahead. Just thaw and whisk again before using.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you have leftovers that include warm sides, keep the salad separate and serve chilled for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe comes together so easily yet feels special enough for guests or a nourishing family meal. The blend of textures and flavors is just the kind of balance I look for when I want something fresh but not boring. I can’t wait for you to try it—and once you do, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. Happy cooking, and let me know how your salad turns out!

Print