Being from a Mediterranean country, I’ve always loved salads, and this avocado and pear recipe is one of my absolute favorites! The way the tangy and sweet flavors mix is just amazing, you’ll love how unique and tasty it is. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits, making it a great pick-me-up for the season. This refreshing salad with homemade dressing is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal. Give it a try!

Recipe

Avocado Pear Salad

In Mediterranean families like mine, salad isn’t just food, it’s a part of everyday life. Growing up, there was always a salad on the table, sometimes just fresh greens with extra virgin olive oil, other times a mix of colorful vegetables, but always fresh and delicious.

My mom had a way of making salads without recipes, mixing whatever she had and making it taste amazing. I think I got that from her, because that’s how I came up with this avocado and pear recipe.

One day, I tossed together creamy avocado, sweet pear, and a homemade dressing. The flavors were perfect and took me back to those family dinners when we’d sit for hours talking and laughing, enjoying simple, tasty food.

This salad isn’t fancy, but it’s more than just food. It’s a little piece of my roots and a reminder of how simple things bring the most joy.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Avocado Pear Recipe
🧾Avocado Pear Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Avocado Pear Salad
📖Variations
🍽 What to Serve with Avocado Pear Salad
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Salad Recipes to Try!
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Avocado Pear Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in under 10 minutes! Just slice and whisk, and you’re done. It’s a simple, fresh recipe perfect for busy days or when you want to impress guests without much effort.
Versatile: You can easily tweak this salad to your liking, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa for extra protein, or swap the nuts for something new. The dressing is also customizable, so feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste.
Beautiful and Delicious: The bright colors from the greens, avocado, pear, pomegranate, and blue cheese make this salad as pretty as it is tasty. It’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re having it as a light lunch, a side, or a starter, this salad works for any occasion. It’s especially refreshing on warm days or when you want something light and flavorful.

🧾Avocado Pear Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this avocado pear recipe:

For the Salad:

Avocado: I love using a big, ripe avocado for its creamy, buttery texture. It adds richness and balances the crisp greens and fruits.
Pears: Ripe pears are perfect here. Their sweet, juicy bite contrasts so well with the richness of the avocado, adding a fresh crunch.
Red Onion: A bit of red onion gives the salad a nice zesty kick. It adds just the right amount of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the pears and avocado. You can use white onion instead of red onion.
Mixed Leaf Salad: The mixed greens make a fresh, crunchy base for the salad, keeping it light and vibrant.
Pomegranate: Pomegranate seeds bring a burst of sweetness and crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth avocado and soft pears.
Hazelnuts: Toasted hazelnuts add a lovely nutty flavor and crunch, making the salad even more satisfying.
Blue Cheese: The bold tang of blue cheese complements the sweetness of the pears and the creaminess of the avocado, giving the salad depth.

For the Dressing:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, rich base that enhances the flavors of the salad.
Balsamic Vinegar: The tangy balsamic vinegar balances the sweetness of the pears and honey, brightening the whole dish.
Dijon Mustard & Honey: Dijon mustard adds a bit of heat and helps emulsify the dressing, while honey brings just the right touch of sweetness to balance everything.
Salt & White Pepper: A pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, and white pepper adds a mild, subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Avocado Pear Salad

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Wash and dry the mixed leaves, then put them in a large bowl.

2. Halve, pit, and peel the avocados. Slice them thinly and lay them over the salad leaves.

3. Halve, core, and thinly slice the pears, then place them on the greens.

4. Add the sliced red onion and pomegranate seeds.

5. Add hazelnuts and crumbled blue cheese.

6. In a small bottle, shake olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

7. Pour the dressing over the salad before serving.

8. Gently toss to coat, or serve the dressing on the side.

📖Variations

Grilled Chicken or Turkey: Add slices of grilled chicken or turkey for a more filling, protein-packed option.
Seafood Twist: Try grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or smoked salmon for an elegant touch.
Switch Up the Nuts: Use toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a different flavor and crunch.
Gentler Cheese: Swap blue cheese for crumbled feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier taste.
Seasonal Fruits: Change it up with apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peaches, or nectarines depending on what’s in season.

🍽 What to Serve with Avocado Pear Salad

This avocado and pear salad is so versatile! It works perfectly as a side, starter, or even a light main course.

I love serving it with toasted ciabatta or garlic bread, such a great match for the salad’s flavors and adds a bit of heartiness.

It’s also amazing alongside cast-iron chicken breast or pork chops for a well-rounded meal. The creamy avocado and tangy dressing pair beautifully with the savory flavors.

For something cozier, try it with a creamy soup like coquina squash or Greek lemon chicken soup. Together, they make a comforting and satisfying combo.

And for drinks? A refreshing glass of lemonade is always a perfect choice!

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Fresh Greens: Use crisp, fresh greens like baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix for a nice variety of flavors and textures.

Prep Right Before Serving: Slice the avocado and pears just before serving to keep them looking fresh. A quick toss in lemon or lime juice helps prevent browning.

Toast the Nuts: Toast hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely for the best crunch.

Smooth Dressing: Whisk or shake the dressing ingredients well for a creamy texture. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste.

Layer for Beauty: Layer the ingredients in your bowl for a stunning, colorful presentation that lets everything shine.

Add Dressing Last: Drizzle the dressing just before serving, or serve it on the side to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

Gentle Tossing: Toss the salad gently to avoid squishing delicate ingredients like avocado, pears, and greens.

Serve Cool: This salad is best served fresh and slightly chilled, so keep it in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy!