This beautiful Brie pear salad with mozzarella will not only satisfy your appetite, but also delight your taste buds by combining sweet honey with mozzarella, mixed greens, and pumpkin seeds. We find it’s the perfect mixed greens salad for a fall or winter day. The seasonal produce lend this salad to a feature on the Christmas dinner table or as a side or appetizer to a hearty winter meal. Plus, the salad’s ingredients are chosen in the colors of Christmas, so the dish will be appropriate on a festive winter table. No matter what other items we choose for our Christmas table, this holiday salad is always a hit!
This recipe is so easy to make and can easily be customized to your personal preferences. If you want to enjoy different add ins to the salad, go for it!
Our recipe for Warm Caramelized Pear Salad with Lettuce, Brie Cheese, Mozzarella and Pumpkin Seeds, drizzled with a rich honey dressing, is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and make you want to try more. This salad is a reflection of the changing seasons, combining the warm, comforting essence of caramelized pears with the freshness of crisp lettuce and the creaminess of Brie and mozzarella.
The honey dressing adds sweetness and sophistication to the dish. Whether you want to make an elegant appetizer or a hearty main course, this Brie pear salad is a culinary masterpiece that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
- Ripe pears
- Mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, or your favorite greens)
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Mini mozzarella (often called “Mozzarella Pearls”)
- Brie cheese
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried cranberries for garnish (or fresh, if you prefer)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Caramelized Pear and Brie is a Perfect Match with Mixed Greens
You can combine any green mixture you prefer for this fall salad. However, we like to go with a spinach and arugula combo.
Spinach and arugula are two leafy greens that complement each other perfectly in a salad. Spinach has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture, while arugula has a slightly bitter taste and a firmer texture. When combined, the two greens create a well-balanced flavor combination that is both savory and refreshing – and perfect for any time of year!
The sweetness of the spinach helps to balance out the bitterness of the arugula. Also, both spinach and arugula are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, making them a healthy and delicious addition to this fall or winter salad. The two leaves are a perfect match in our delicious pear salad when combined with the caramelized pear, Brie, and mozzarella!
How to Make Caramelized Pear Salad for Fall or Winter
This salad is a show-stopper on your fall or Christmas table as long as you set up the plate properly.
You start off by peeling the skin of the pears and slicing the pears into thin slices. In a skillet with olive oil, you will saute the pears with a bit of honey, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are caramelized. (Note in my photo below, the pears haven’t been peeled yet. But it is easier to peel the whole pear before you slice it.)
Dice the Brie cheese into small pieces while the pears finish caramelizing in the skillet.
Place the pears in a layered presentation along one side of a salad plate.
Tear the lettuce leaves and arrange on the plate.
Add the Brie cheese, mozzarella pearls, cranberries and dried pumpkin seeds.
Season the salad with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and drizzle with the remaining honey.
Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently mix the salad so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the honey dressing.
What a beautiful Christmas salad (or fall salad) you have just created!
Expert Tips for Brie Pear Salad
- Nutty Additions: Consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Simply toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before adding them to the salad. A pear salad with walnuts really says Christmas!
- Greens Galore: Mix and match your favorite greens to create a unique flavor profile. Try adding some peppery arugula for a zesty kick, or baby spinach for a milder taste.
- Herbal Elegance: A handful of fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, can elevate the salad’s flavor profile and add a refreshing aroma.
- Protein Boost: If you’d like to turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or even crispy bacon for a protein boost. Of course, a bit of bacon never hurts a salad, in our opinion!
Winter Pear Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Pears
- 2 oz Brie cheese
- 2 cups Salad mix
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Honey
- Rosemary 2 sprigs
- Thyme 2 sprigs
- 4 tbsp Pumpkin seeds
- 4 oz Mozzarella Mini Mozzarella Pearls
- ½ cup Cranberries Dried
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Slice the pears into slices and peel off the insides.
- Dice the brie cheese.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add sliced pears, a half tablespoon honey, a sprinkle of rosemary, and a sprinkle of thyme.
- Cook pears, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Divide pears among four serving plates.
- Tear the lettuce leaves and arrange evenly on the four plates. Add the brie cheese, mozzarella, cranberries and dried pumpkin seeds.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and drizzle with the remaining honey.
- Using salad tongs, gently mix the salad so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the honey dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
We hope you enjoy this pear salad with Brie! You will surely love some of our other side dish ideas!
Spicy Corn on the Cob Grilled in Foil
Elevated Jiffy Cornbread Muffins
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