This winter pear salad is bright, refreshing, and an ideal side for holiday meals. A warm spiced orange vinaigrette lifts the crisp greens, while candied walnuts and shaved Asiago add texture and richness. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect alongside roasted chicken or cozy winter mains.
A Friday salad that’s anything but ordinary.
This winter pear salad combines peppery arugula, thinly sliced pears, crunchy candied walnuts and shaved Asiago for a balanced plate of textures and flavors. The spiced orange vinaigrette brings warmth and brightness, making the salad feel seasonal while staying light and refreshing.
The salad pairs beautifully with holiday dishes like roast chicken and hasselback potatoes, or it can stand on its own for a satisfying lunch or starter. It’s easy to scale for a single meal or a crowd and always receives compliments for its combination of crisp, tangy, and savory notes.
I love bringing a big greens salad to gatherings: it’s fresh amid rich holiday fare and helps balance a plate. This salad’s cozy flavors—thanks to the spiced dressing and candied nuts—make it feel indulgent without being heavy.
All the cozy, crunchy vibes in one bowl.
And then there’s the dressing
The spiced orange vinaigrette is what makes this salad feel like the holidays. A mix of fresh orange juice and zest, red wine vinegar, honey and warm spices creates a vinaigrette that tastes cozy and bright. It complements crisp greens and juicy pears while adding depth to each bite.
Arugula is my preferred base for this salad because of its peppery bite, but you can use any tender green you enjoy. A generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper before adding the toppings enhances the overall flavor.
Key toppings include:
- Thinly sliced ripe pears — juicy, sweet and crisp.
- Candied walnuts — for sweet, crunchy contrast. You can make them quickly at home or buy them pre-made.
- Shaved Asiago cheese — nutty and salty, it ties the salad together.
Finish the salad with a drizzle of the spiced orange vinaigrette and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
A fresh, wintry salad with pleasing texture and comforting flavors—simple and elegant.
Winter Pear Salad with Spiced Orange Vinaigrette
Shaved Asiago Winter Pear Salad
4
25 mins
25 mins
Ingredients
Quick Candied Walnuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Salad
- 6 to 8 cups baby arugula
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ripe pears, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup candied walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup shaved Asiago cheese
Spiced Orange Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
Quick Candied Walnuts
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and sugar, stirring to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes more, tossing, until the sugar melts and the nuts look lightly toasted.
- Transfer the nuts to parchment paper to cool completely, then chop coarsely.
Salad Assembly
- Place the arugula in a large bowl and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Top with thinly sliced pears, shaved Asiago and the chopped candied walnuts. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Spiced Orange Vinaigrette
- Whisk together orange juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon, orange zest, shallot, garlic, allspice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified. Store in the fridge for up to a few days.
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Simple, classic, and delicious.