Caramelized Pear And Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese, Pecans, And Honey-Lemon Dressing

I love making this Caramelized Pear And Spinach Salad when I want something elegant, fresh, and comforting at the same time. The warm, caramelized pears paired with tender spinach, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that always feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple yet impressive. I enjoy how the sweetness of the pears contrasts with the tangy goat cheese and the bright honey-lemon dressing. It works perfectly as a light main dish or a standout side for any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ripe pears, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup pecans, chopped

For the honey-lemon dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I start by heating a skillet over medium heat and melting the butter. I add the pear slices and drizzle them with honey. I cook them for about 3–4 minutes per side until they’re soft and golden with lightly caramelized edges. I remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.

In a large bowl, I add the spinach and arrange the warm pears on top. I sprinkle the goat cheese and chopped pecans over the salad.

In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. I drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss if needed.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add dried cranberries for extra sweetness or sliced apples instead of pears. When I want more protein, I top the salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas. I also enjoy swapping pecans for walnuts.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I assemble the salad fresh and don’t reheat it to keep the spinach tender.

FAQs

What type of pears work best?

I like using Bartlett or Anjou pears because they soften nicely when caramelized.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I prepare the pears and dressing ahead, then assemble just before serving.

Is this salad vegetarian?

I keep it vegetarian since it includes goat cheese but no meat.

Can I make the dressing dairy-free?

I use olive oil, lemon, and honey, so the dressing is already dairy-free.

What can I serve this salad with?

I enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or crusty bread.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this Caramelized Pear And Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese, Pecans, And Honey-Lemon Dressing because it’s warm, fresh, and beautifully balanced. It’s one of those salads that feels cozy yet refined, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

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