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Bright, fresh, and full of flavor—this blackberry and pear salad combines juicy blackberries, crisp pears, candied pecans, and shaved Parmesan cheese all tossed in a poppy seed dressing. A perfect salad for summer gatherings or holiday tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Fresh & Flavorful: Juicy blackberries and crisp pears bring a burst of sweetness balanced by the Parmesan cheese and crunchy candied pecans.
Simple Yet Elegant: Easy enough for a weeknight side dish but beautiful enough for holidays or dinner parties.
Versatile: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, chicken, or as a light lunch on its own with some grilled chicken on top.
Ingredients for Blackberry and Pear Salad
- Spring Mix or Baby Spinach
- Pear
- Blackberries
- Parmesan Cheese, shaved or grated
- Candied Pecans
- Poppyseed Dressing
How to Make Blackberry and Pear Salad
- Place greens in a large bowl.
- Thinly slice pear and add to bowl.
- Add in blackberries, candied pecans and shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with poppyseed dressing and toss to coat.
Tips from leigh Anne
- Choose ripe but firm pears. Look for pears that have a slight give when pressed near the stem. You don’t want them too soft or they’ll turn mushy in the salad.
- Toss pear slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown if you are slicing ahead of time.
- Add dressing just before serving so the greens don’t wilt, and dress lightly.
Variations:
- Mix up the greens – Baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix all pair beautifully with fruit.
- Add some crunch – Candied pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add texture and balance the sweetness.
- Different cheeses – Instead of Parmesan cheese use goat cheese, feta, gorgonzola or blue cheese for a tangy contrast.
- Fruit swaps – Try your favorite berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or sliced apples in place of (or along with) the blackberries and pears.
- Different dressing – I love my poppyseed dressing recipe but this balsamic vinaigrette dressing would also be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the dressing, slice the pears (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning), and wash your greens ahead and keep them in the fridge. Assemble just before serving so everything stays fresh and lettuce doesn’t wilt.
What kind of pear should I use?
Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears are all great choices. Just make sure they’re ripe but still firm so they hold up in the salad.
Can I add a protein to this blackberry and pear salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, grilled steak, bacon, shrimp, or even prosciutto pair nicely with the fruit and greens.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing right before serving and keep ingredients separate if you’re prepping in advance.
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Fresh is definitely best for texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before adding.
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Blackberry and Pear Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Mixed spring greens with baby spinach.
- 2 cups blackberries
- 1 pear sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shaved
- 1/3 cup Poppyseed Dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl place salad greens.
- Top salad with blackberries, sliced pear, candied pecans and shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with poppyseed dressing and toss to coat.
Tips & Notes:
- Choose ripe but firm pears. Look for pears that have a slight give when pressed near the stem. You don’t want them too soft or they’ll turn mushy in the salad.
- Toss pear slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown if you are slicing ahead of time.
- Add dressing just before serving so the greens don’t wilt, and dress lightly.
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Nutrition Facts:
Beth says
What a delicious flavor combination.