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Perfect Pear Salad

This elegant pear and crispy bacon salad offers a sophisticated balance of sweet and savoury flavours. The combination of succulent Anjou pear and salty, pan-fried bacon creates a delightful contrast against a fresh bed of baby spinach. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties the components together, while finely diced red peppers and shallots add a subtle crunch and a hint of sharpness to every bite.

Ideal as a gluten-free starter or a light lunch, this dairy-free dish is incredibly quick to assemble but looks impressive on the plate. For the best results, ensure the bacon is perfectly crisp to provide a textural counterpoint to the soft fruit. Serve it immediately while the bacon is still warm for a comforting yet vibrant seasonal salad.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Perfect Pear Salad

  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into large dice

  • 90ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 60ml balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 teaspoons coarse sea salt

  • 1/8 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 cups (loosely packed) baby spinach leaves

  • 1 Anjou pear, peeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

  • 90g coarsely grated Asiago cheese (about 140g )

  • 80g red pepper, cut into fine dice

  • 2 tablespoons shallot, minced

How to make Perfect Pear Salad

  1. In a large skillet over moderately high heat, sauté the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain. Set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the spinach with half the dressing.

  3. Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Top with the pear slices. Sprinkle the bacon, cheese, red pepper, and shallot over each plate. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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