Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta

This Elegant Pear Salad with Feta and Walnuts Stole the Show at My Dinner Party

There’s always that one dish you serve at a dinner party that unexpectedly becomes the center of attention. For me, it wasn’t the roasted chicken or the wine pairings—it was this simple, beautiful, and incredibly fresh Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta.

Even days after the gathering, friends were texting me asking for “that pear salad recipe.” And honestly, I couldn’t blame them. It was vibrant, crisp, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of autumn harvest flavors. So here I am, finally sharing this homemade recipe that truly stole the show—right from my kitchen to yours.

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Why This Pear Salad Is Perfect for Fall

I absolutely love cooking in the fall. The air is crisp, produce is abundant, and earthy flavors find their way into every dish. As the trees begin shedding their golden leaves, the markets are bursting with fresh pears, greens, and nuts. These ingredients are nature’s way of telling us to savor the season.

This pear salad celebrates everything that’s lovely about autumn. It’s a delicious mix of texture and flavor—crunchy walnuts, creamy feta, juicy sliced pears, and a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It’s also healthy, simple to make, and just elegant enough for both casual and fancy gatherings.

The Ingredients That Make This Salad Shine

Let’s break it down. This salad isn’t just about tossing greens together—it’s about layering flavors and textures to create a dish that feels both rustic and refined. Here's everything you need:

Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta – Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
• 2 ripe but firm green pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup raw walnuts, lightly toasted
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional but beautiful)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Tips from My Kitchen: Making It Elegant and Effortless

I’ve made this salad several times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Choose firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold their shape when sliced.
• Toast your walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavor.
• Make the vinaigrette just before serving to keep it fresh.
• Assemble the salad on a platter rather than a bowl—it makes the dish look more
beautiful and intentional.

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Why I Love It: It turns prep work into a breeze and gives the salad that elegant restaurant-quality presentation.

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Assembling the Salad Step-by-Step

This is the fun part. It looks like you spent hours on it, but in reality, it takes just 10 minutes.

1. Start with a base of green salad leaves on a large platter or wide bowl.

Arrange the sliced pears artfully on top.

Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta over the pears.

If using, add pomegranate seeds and thin red onion slices for extra pop.

Drizzle your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the top.

Finish with a little cracked black pepper.

It’s simple, fresh, and visually stunning.

Why It Works: Flavor + Texture

This salad is a masterclass in contrast:

• Sweetness from the pears
• Saltiness from the feta
• Crunch from the walnuts
• Peppery bite from the greens
• Sharpness from the balsamic vinaigrette

Every bite feels like a mini celebration of the fall harvest.

Amazon Product Recommendation #2: Toasting Made Easy with a Cast Iron Skillet

You can absolutely toast walnuts in the oven, but I prefer doing it in a skillet—faster and more fragrant.

Product: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 8-Inch

This kitchen workhorse isn’t just for meat and cornbread—it’s perfect for toasting nuts and dry-searing fruit too.

Why I Love It: It heats evenly, lasts forever, and gives your ingredients that toasty, nutty depth.

Upgrade your kitchen with this reliable classic—grab the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet here and start creating flavor-packed toppings!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

I served this salad alongside herb-roasted chicken and a pumpkin risotto, and it balanced the richness of the meal perfectly. It also works beautifully with:

• Butternut squash soup
• Grilled salmon
• Brie and a warm baguette
• Sparkling cider or chilled sauvignon blanc

It’s a dish that transitions easily from lunch to dinner, casual to formal.

A Little Dinner Party Magic

When I served this at my fall dinner party, I placed it on the table in the center of a rustic wood board with flickering candles around it. I swear, the salad looked like something out of a magazine. My guests raved—not just about the taste, but how beautiful and fresh it looked.

One friend even said, “I never thought I’d love a salad this much.” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Amazon Product Recommendation #3: Elegant Salad Bowl for Entertaining

Presentation matters, especially when serving a show-stopping salad like this one.

Product: Libbey Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Set

This handcrafted wooden salad bowl and server set is gorgeous, eco-friendly, and perfect for serving your greens in style.

Why I Love It: It turns even a simple salad into a centerpiece. The natural wood complements the autumn theme perfectly.

Serve with style—order the Libbey Acacia Salad Bowl Set here and impress your guests every time!

Make It Your Own

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it:

• Add grilled chicken or prosciutto for protein
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier profile
• Try Asian pears or red pears for color contrast

This base recipe is flexible but always delicious.

Final Thoughts: The Salad That Belongs on Every Autumn Table

This pear salad with walnuts and feta is the kind of dish that quietly steals hearts. It’s not loud or overly complicated. It’s just really, really good.

It honors the fall harvest with every bite—fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a light weekday lunch that feels special, this healthy, simple, and beautiful salad delivers.

And yes, it really did steal the show at my dinner party.