Elevate your dining experience with our renowned Pear Pomegranate Salad! This vibrant dish harmoniously blends crisp mixed greens, homemade candied pecans, sweet Bartlett pears, glistening pomegranate arils, chewy dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of creamy feta cheese. Crowned with our irresistible raspberry poppy seed dressing, it’s a culinary masterpiece ready to be savored.

Exquisite Pear Pomegranate Salad: Your New Holiday Tradition

For years, this magnificent Pear Pomegranate Salad has been more than just a dish in my home—it’s become a cherished holiday tradition. I genuinely can’t envision our Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner tables without its vibrant colors and incredible flavors. Its unique combination of sweet and tangy notes, coupled with a delightful crunch, makes it an absolute showstopper.

While this salad is undeniably perfect for grand special occasions, effortlessly complementing a succulent holiday ham or a perfectly roasted turkey, its charm isn’t limited to festive feasts. It’s equally wonderful as a refreshing lunch, a light dinner, or a sophisticated addition to any potluck or gathering throughout the cooler months.

Every single time I’ve served this salad, guests invariably inquire about two things: those perfectly seasoned candied pecans and, without fail, the absolutely extraordinary dressing! Made with real, fresh raspberries, this dressing isn’t merely an accompaniment; it truly elevates the entire Pear Pomegranate Salad experience, often stealing the spotlight with its bright, fruity notes and creamy texture.

Why This Pear Pomegranate Salad is a Holiday Essential

Beyond its stunning appearance, this salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the often rich and heavy dishes typical of holiday meals. Its lightness and burst of fresh flavors provide a much-needed balance, preventing your palate from becoming overwhelmed. The combination of textures—crisp greens, juicy pears, tender cranberries, and crunchy pecans—creates a dynamic eating experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Moreover, the ingredients themselves lend a festive air. The deep red of pomegranate arils and cranberries, the vibrant green of the mixed greens, and the golden hues of the pears and pecans create a beautiful tableau that perfectly suits the celebratory mood of the holidays. It’s not just food; it’s a centerpiece that ignites conversation and delight.

Mastering the Candied Pecans: A Sweet & Crunchy Delight

The candied pecans in this Pear Pomegranate Salad are not just a garnish; they are an integral component, offering an irresistible sweet crunch that beautifully contrasts the soft fruits and crisp greens. For optimal convenience and flavor development, I highly recommend preparing the candied pecans a day or two in advance. This allows them ample time to cool completely and harden, ensuring they maintain their delightful crispness when mixed into the salad. Pre-making them also streamlines your holiday meal preparation, freeing up valuable time on the day of serving.

The recipe for candied pecans provided below yields a generous batch, more than you’ll likely need for a single Pear Pomegranate Salad. This is by design! Candying works best with a slightly larger volume of nuts, and you certainly won’t want these delicious leftovers to go to waste. Store any extra candied pecans in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 2 months, or in the pantry for 2-3 weeks. These versatile treats are fantastic as a standalone snack, sprinkled over yogurt bowls, açai bowls, oatmeal, or even other salads. Their sweet, spiced flavor adds a gourmet touch to almost anything!

Unlocking Flavor: The Essential Components of Our Pear Pomegranate Salad

Each ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in building its complex and satisfying flavor profile. From the tender greens to the juicy fruits and the savory cheese, every element contributes to the overall exquisite experience.

Perfectly Ripe Pears: A Sweet Foundation

The choice and preparation of your pears are paramount to the success of this salad. Pears are unique in that they ripen best after being picked, becoming progressively sweeter and softer as they mature. Certain varieties, such as Bartlett pears, will even undergo a noticeable color change, transitioning from a vibrant green to a sunny yellow when perfectly ripe.

To ascertain ripeness, gently press the area around the stem end of the pear. If it yields slightly to the pressure, indicating a tender flesh beneath the skin, your pear is ready for consumption. For the absolute best texture and flavor in this Pear Pomegranate Salad, always opt for ripe pears. Crunchy, unripe pears can be unpleasantly hard and lack the sweet juiciness that makes this salad so special. Bosc and Anjou pears also work wonderfully, offering slightly different flavor nuances while maintaining a great texture.

Jewel-Toned Pomegranate Arils: Bursting with Freshness

Pomegranate arils, with their vibrant color and tart-sweet pop, are another star of this salad. They add a beautiful visual appeal and a refreshing burst of flavor and texture. While deseeding a fresh pomegranate can seem daunting, there are many simple methods to extract the arils efficiently. You can cut the pomegranate in half and gently tap the back with a spoon over a bowl of water, or segment it and remove the arils by hand under water to prevent staining.

Beyond their stunning appearance and taste, pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to any meal. They are typically in season from October to February in many regions, perfectly aligning with the holiday season.

The Vibrant Ensemble: Greens, Berries, and Feta

The foundation of this salad is a bed of fresh spring mix—a delightful medley of baby lettuces and greens that provides a tender, slightly peppery base. Dried sweetened cranberries offer a chewy texture and a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor that complements the pears and pomegranates beautifully. Finally, crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, salty tang that balances the sweetness of the fruits and nuts, adding a sophisticated depth to the salad. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese is an excellent alternative, or you can simply omit the cheese for a dairy-free option.

The Show-Stopping Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing

The homemade raspberry poppy seed dressing is truly the secret weapon of this Pear Pomegranate Salad. Its luscious, fruity tang and creamy consistency are what bring all the diverse flavors together into a cohesive, unforgettable dish. Using real raspberries ensures a fresh, authentic flavor that store-bought dressings simply can’t replicate. The poppy seeds add a subtle texture and visual appeal, making each bite an experience.

Blending the dressing allows the raspberries to fully incorporate, creating a smooth, emulsified texture that clings perfectly to every leaf and piece of fruit. The combination of red wine vinegar, a touch of sugar, Dijon mustard, and a neutral oil creates a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that is both bright and savory. This dressing is designed to be on the thicker side; as it mingles with the juices from the salad ingredients, it will thin out slightly, coating everything beautifully without making the greens soggy.

Smart Shortcuts for Effortless Preparation

Even for the most elaborate meals, a few smart shortcuts can make a world of difference, saving you precious time without compromising on flavor or quality. Here are some ways to simplify the creation of your Pear Pomegranate Salad:

• Candied Pecans: To reduce prep time on the day of serving, make the candied pecans a day or two in advance. If you’re really short on time or prefer convenience, readily available pre-candied pecans from your local grocery store can be a fantastic alternative. Just ensure they are fresh and crunchy.
• Pomegranate Arils: Extracting arils from a whole pomegranate can be a bit messy and time-consuming. Look for pre-seeded pomegranate arils, typically sold in small plastic cups in the produce section of most grocery stores. This shortcut is a game-changer for speed and convenience.
• Pears: While fresh, ripe pears offer the best texture and flavor, if they are out of season or unavailable, canned pears can be a viable substitute. Choose canned pears packed in 100% juice (avoid syrup) and slice them thinly before adding to the salad. Pat them dry gently to remove excess moisture.
• Dressing: Our homemade raspberry poppy seed dressing is phenomenal, and you can prepare it 1-2 days ahead, storing it in a Mason jar in the fridge. Give it a good stir or shake before using. For those ultra-busy days, a quick alternative is to combine equal parts of good quality store-bought poppy seed dressing and raspberry vinaigrette. While it won’t be quite the same as homemade, it’s a decent stand-in!

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Salad

While the classic Pear Pomegranate Salad recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations to suit your taste preferences or to utilize ingredients you have on hand:

• For a slightly different tartness and color, substitute the dried cranberries with **dried tart cherries**. Their deeper, more intense flavor pairs beautifully with the pears and pecans.
• If you prefer a milder, tangier cheese, swap the feta for crumbled **goat cheese**. Its creamy texture and distinct flavor offer a sophisticated twist. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese entirely.
• Instead of candied pecans, try using **honey-roasted almonds** for a different nutty flavor and crunch. You can easily make these at home or find them pre-made.
• If pears are not in season or you simply prefer apples, thinly sliced **Fuji** or Honeycrisp apples make an excellent crunchy and sweet alternative. Their crisp texture and natural sweetness are equally delicious.
• While the raspberry poppy seed dressing is a highlight, you can switch it up with a refreshing **lemon-poppy seed dressing**. Find a fantastic recipe for this in our Quinoa Apple Salad post.
• To transform this side dish into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein boost. Toss in some cooked and cooled quinoa for a vegetarian option, or incorporate leftover shredded grilled chicken for a heartier, full-meal salad.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for the Best Experience

This Pear Pomegranate Salad is truly best enjoyed fresh, shortly after assembly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t store well once all the ingredients are combined and dressed. The delicate mixed greens will begin to wilt under the dressing, the sliced pears will quickly brown and lose their crispness, and the delicious candied pecans will soften, losing their signature crunch.

If you plan to prepare parts of this salad in advance, which is highly recommended for busy hosts, ensure you store all the components separately. Keep the mixed greens, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and candied pecans in individual airtight containers. Crucially, slice the pears just before you intend to assemble and serve the salad to maintain their fresh appearance and texture. Store the homemade dressing separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. By keeping everything distinct, you can enjoy delicious, fresh leftovers by simply assembling individual portions as needed.

Explore More Delicious Salad Creations

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful pear and pomegranate salad, you’re in for a treat! Discover more of our favorite vibrant and flavorful salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Roasted Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Salad featuring the best Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
• A simple yet utterly delicious Winter Fruit Salad, bursting with seasonal goodness.
• Our hearty Butternut Squash Salad, enhanced with a delectable maple-Dijon vinaigrette.
• A refreshing Orange Pomegranate Salad that comes together in mere minutes.
• A unique Brussels Sprouts Salad featuring a tangy-sweet apple cider dressing.

Pear Pomegranate Salad: The Full Recipe

Pear Pomegranate Salad

By Chelsea Lords

This seasonal Pear Pomegranate Salad is an absolute winner! Mixed greens, homemade candied pecans, juicy Bartlett pears, vibrant pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and creamy feta come alive with a drizzle of homemade raspberry poppy seed dressing. So fresh, so good, and perfect for any special occasion!

Rating: 4.93 out of 5 stars (from 14 votes)

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Yields: 6 servings as a side salad

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
• Parchment paper
• Blender or food processor

Ingredients

For the Candied Pecans

(Note 1: This recipe makes more than needed for one salad, but it’s ideal for best results. Leftovers store well!)

• 1 large egg white
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cups pecan halves (1 pound)

For the Salad

• 6 to 8 ounces fresh spring mix (about 8 cups of baby lettuce and baby greens)
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries (or dried tart cherries)
• 2 large Bartlett pears, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard (not regular yellow mustard)
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, completely thawed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (canola or light olive oil also works)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Instructions

For the Candied Pecans

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
3. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Add the pecan halves to the egg white mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure all the nuts are evenly coated.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the coated pecans from the egg white mixture, allowing excess liquid to drain. Transfer them to the sugar and cinnamon mixture and toss until each pecan half is fully coated.
6. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
7. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring and tossing the pecans every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely to room temperature. As they cool, they will harden and become perfectly crisp. Coarsely chop about 1/2 cup of the candied pecans for the salad.

For the Salad Assembly

1. Very thinly slice the ripe Bartlett pears.
2. In a large serving bowl, gently combine the fresh spring mix, vibrant pomegranate arils, dried sweetened cranberries, the thinly sliced pears, and the crumbled feta cheese (if using).

For the Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients EXCEPT the vegetable oil and poppy seeds.
2. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor running on low speed, slowly stream in the vegetable oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue blending until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
4. Stir in the poppy seeds. Note that this dressing is intended to be quite thick; it will thin out slightly as it mixes with the natural juices from the salad ingredients.
5. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing generously over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Add the chopped candied pecans. Gently toss to combine. Only dress and add pecans to the portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately, as leftovers do not store well once combined.

Recipe Notes

• Note 1: Candied Pecan Yield: This recipe for candied pecans is designed to yield more than you typically need for a single Pear Pomegranate Salad. This is because candying the pecans works best with this volume, and the extra nuts are fantastic! Store any leftover candied pecans in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months or in the pantry for 2–3 weeks. They make a wonderful snack or topping for other dishes.
• Nutrition Note: The nutritional profile provided below does not include the candied pecans, as the amount added to individual servings can vary significantly. Please factor this into your dietary calculations.
• Storage: As mentioned, this salad does not store well after being fully assembled and dressed. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it soon after making. If you anticipate leftovers, store the individual components (greens, fruit, nuts, dressing) separately and assemble just before eating to prevent wilted greens, browned pears, and softened pecans.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is an approximation based on the dressing and salad ingredients (excluding candied pecans).

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 571kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 654mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 78g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience.