Pear Walnut Kale Salad with Balsamic

Fresh Pear Walnut Kale Salad with Balsamic – Easy Homemade Fall Recipe

If you love bright, crunchy, and refreshing salads, this pear walnut kale salad with balsamic will quickly become a favorite. I first made it on a chilly autumn afternoon when I needed something light yet comforting, and it instantly reminded me how powerful simple ingredients can be. The sweetness of ripe pears, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the earthy base of kale come together beautifully with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make for busy lunches, quick dinners, or any time you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups finely chopped kale (stems removed)
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Balsamic Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Kale

Wash, dry, and finely chop 4 cups of kale.
Add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
Massage the kale for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.

Assemble the Salad

Thinly slice 2 ripe pears and place them over the massaged kale.
Add ½ cup toasted walnuts, ¼ cup dried cranberries, and ½ small sliced red onion.
Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled feta cheese evenly on top.

Make the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
Whisk again until smooth and well combined.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat every ingredient without crushing the pears.

Tips & Variations

1. Swap the Pears

If pears aren’t in season, apples are a perfect substitute. Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture.

2. Add a Protein Boost

Grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or quinoa can make this salad a more filling meal while keeping the flavor balance intact.

3. Play with the Nuts

Walnuts offer great crunch, but pecans, almonds, or pistachios also work beautifully. Toasting them enhances flavor.

4. Make It Creamy

Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and richness without overwhelming the dish.

5. Try a Citrus Twist

Replace balsamic vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a lighter, brighter salad dressing.

Storing & Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Place leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days for the best texture.
If it’s already dressed, it’s best eaten within 24 hours because kale softens over time but doesn’t become soggy like other greens.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because fresh pears and leafy greens lose texture once thawed.

Reheating

This recipe is served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary.
If you add cooked protein, reheat the protein separately, then add it back to the chilled salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the kale, walnuts, and onion up to 2 days ahead and store them separately. Add pears, cheese, and dressing right before serving.

How do I keep the pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears in a little lemon juice right after cutting. This slows oxidation and keeps them looking fresh.

Can I use baby kale instead of curly kale?

Absolutely. Baby kale is tender, mild, and doesn’t require massaging, making the recipe even faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! Simply double every ingredient. It’s a great choice for potlucks and gatherings because it stays crisp longer than salads made with softer greens.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (serves 4):

Calories: 265
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 18g

This pear walnut kale salad with balsamic is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates fresh seasonal ingredients with incredible flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy homemade salad recipe for weekday lunches or a beautiful side dish for guests, this one never disappoints. If you try it, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Feel free to share the recipe with friends or explore my other healthy and delicious salad recipes on the blog. Enjoy every bite!