Pear, Spinach & Feta Salad
This Pear, Spinach & Feta Salad is a quick, nutrient-dense meal that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crisp textures. It's an excellent way to enjoy fresh greens, fruit, and a touch of protein in one satisfying bowl.
For 2 servings
Wash and prepare the pear: Core the pear and thinly slice it. To prevent browning, you can toss the slices with a tiny splash of lemon juice.
Toast the pecans: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the salad base: Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
Add the main toppings: Arrange the sliced pear and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the spinach.
Add the crunch: Sprinkle the cooled toasted pecans over the salad.
Dress the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared lemon-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad.
Toss and serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is coated with the dressing. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose a ripe but firm pear for the best texture; varieties like Anjou, Bosc, or Bartlett work wonderfully.
- 2Always toast your nuts! This simple step significantly enhances their flavor and aroma, adding depth to your salad.
- 3Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and to keep the pear and pecans crisp.
- 4For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost the protein content.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Substitute pears with sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), fresh grapes, or dried cranberries for a different fruity note.
Nut & Cheese AlternativesNut & Cheese Alternatives
Swap pecans for walnuts, candied almonds, or pistachios. Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a distinct flavor profile.
Dressing TwistDressing Twist
Experiment with a balsamic vinaigrette, a poppy seed dressing, or a light apple cider vinaigrette instead of the lemon-Dijon.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Spinach is packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, while pears provide dietary fiber and Vitamin C, contributing to overall health and immunity.
Healthy Fats for Heart Health
The extra virgin olive oil and pecans contribute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Excellent Source of Fiber
With spinach, pear, and pecans, this salad is high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the ingredients ahead by slicing the pear (tossing with lemon juice), toasting pecans, and making the dressing. Store them separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
