Basil Pear Salad Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Fresh pear salad with fragrant Genoese basil leaves tossed with a honey lemon dressing and topped with candies walnuts. For a sweet and savory balance serve with a sprinkle of plant-based feta crumbles or goat cheese.Â
Elevate your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with this delicious Italian style basil pear salad tossed in a citrus dressing. it’s a match made in flavor heaven that checks all the boxes and the perfect dish for all the foodies in your life.
About the Pears
Choosing the best pears you can get your hands on will truly elevate your salad. My favorite varieties would be the Yellow Bartlett pears for Thanksgiving and Red Anjou for Christmas dinner, just to stay with the seasonal colors. I’m partial to the juiciness of Bartlett but the most important detail here is that the pears are ripe but firm, not mushy. Generally I store them on the kitchen counter where they continue to ripen but as soon as you know they reached that ripe but still firm texture pop them in the fridge. Much like you would baby an avocado, there is a moment when you just know.
The Basil
A nice surprise in lieu of the more bitter dark leafy greens one would expect in a salad bowl. If you have a mixed varieties growing in containers go wild and combine them, just try to pick the youngest most tender leaves. I used both green and purple basil for a pop of unexpected color but anything you can find at the market will work.
The Salad Dressing
It’s sweet and savory and citrusy and perfect! The acid keeps the pears from oxidizing and turning brown and balances the sweetness of honey. If you can source local responsible honey from a neighbour by all means go for it. Otherwise a store bought bee-free vegan honey tastes just the same and the most environmentally and bee-friendly option. All things considered, a light maple syrup dressing is equally lovely!
Salad Variations
- Don’t fancy basil? Swap it for peppery arugula, baby greens or butter lettuce.
- The Nuts – Candied walnuts are the ultimate treat here especially for a holiday meal. For a healthier alternative toast them in a dry skillet or swap for toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds or dry cranberries.
- Add Poppy Seeds – Just because they are fun and add a little “je ne sais quoi” to any dressing! A Lemon Poppyseed  vinaigrette is always a crowd pleaser.
- Seasonal Swaps – When pears are not in season you can go for juicy yellow peaches, nectarines, figs, mango or blood oranges. All wonderfully delicious!
Thanksgiving Recipes
- Vegetable Pot Pie
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds
- Dairy Free Scalloped Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Rainbow Roasted Carrots
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Italian Almond Cookies!
how to make pear salad
Pear Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh basil leaves only
- 3 pears (cored & sliced)
- 1/3 cup walnuts (candied or toasted)
- 1 oz feta crumbles or "goat cheese" (plant based)
- 2 sprigs purple basil optional
Lemon Honey Dressing:
- 1 tsp lemon zest organic
- 1 large juiced lemon + more to taste
- 3-4 tbsp organic local honey (or vegan honey)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Gently toss together all the basil leaves and pears in a large bowl.2 bunches fresh basil, 3 pears
- In a separate bowl whisk together the salad dressing ingredients and combined well. Adjust seasonings to your taste with the sea salt and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust until happy.1 large juiced lemon, 3-4 tbsp organic local honey, 1 pinch sea salt, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest
- Pour the dressing over the basil and pears and gently toss to coat just before serving. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the salad and serve with the feta or "goat cheese" over the top. (Garnish with the purple basil leaves if using).1/3 cup walnuts, 1 oz feta crumbles or "goat cheese", 2 sprigs purple basil
Video
Notes
Salad Variations
- Don't fancy basil? Swap it for peppery arugula, baby greens or butter lettuce.Â
- The Nuts - Candied walnuts are the ultimate treat here especially for a holiday meal. For a healthier alternative toast them in a dry skillet or swap for toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts.Â
- Add Poppy Seeds - Just because they are fun and add a little "je ne sais quoi" to any dressing! A Lemon Poppyseed  vinaigrette is always a crowd pleaser.Â
- Seasonal Swaps - When pears are not in season you can go for juicy yellow peaches, nectarines or mango. All wonderfully delicious!Â
- Make Ahead - Not Recommended! Pears must be sliced just before serving and salad dressed before serving to preventing wilting and oxidation.Â
One Comment