Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Recipe

If you are looking for a salad that beautifully balances sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures and flavors, the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon is a must-try. This vibrant salad offers fresh baby spinach leaves as a crisp base, paired with juicy pears, rich, melty Brie cheese, and toasted walnuts for that perfect bite. What truly elevates this dish is the luscious Honey Dijon dressing that ties everything together with its silky sweetness and gentle tang. It’s not just a salad—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors playing harmoniously in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen or can easily find at any grocery store. Each component has been chosen to bring a special element to the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon, from crisp greens to creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and the vibrant dressing that makes this salad unforgettable.

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves: The fresh, tender base of this salad, providing a mild flavor and vibrant green color.
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced: Sweet, juicy, and perfectly ripe pears add a refreshing fruitiness and a delicate crunch.
• 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese, cut into small wedges: Soft and creamy, Brie adds a luscious texture and luxurious flavor.
• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted: Toasting walnuts enhances their natural nuttiness, adding crunch and depth.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These bring a tart sweetness and a chewy contrast that complements the other textures.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to gently help toast the walnuts or drizzle for extra richness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors in every bite.
• Honey Dijon Dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and black pepper to taste — these come together to create a perfectly balanced dressing that is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.

How to Make Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by making the Honey Dijon dressing, which is the star ingredient that finishes the salad beautifully. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth. This dressing is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and tang to enhance the fresh ingredients without overpowering them. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the crisp baby spinach leaves with the thinly sliced ripe pears. The pears should be juicy but firm enough to hold their shape, providing a lush, sweet contrast with the spinach. Add the toasted walnuts next, which will contribute crunch and a warm nutty aroma, and toss in the dried cranberries for bursts of tartness and chewy texture.

Step 3: Add the Brie

Gently add the Brie cheese wedges to the salad. Take your time here, as Brie is delicate and creamy—it’s important not to crush or overly break up the pieces. These little pockets of rich, creamy cheese will add a mellow, buttery note that pairs excellently with the pears and walnuts.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the prepared Honey Dijon dressing evenly over the salad. Toss lightly and carefully to coat everything without bruising the pears or breaking up the Brie. The goal is a light, even coating that lets every ingredient shine.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the salad to serving plates. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle a few extra walnut pieces on top and consider a gentle drizzle of honey to highlight the dressing’s sweetness. This final touch enhances both the flavor and the visual appeal of your Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon.

How to Serve Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon

Garnishes

To elevate this salad even more, try adding thinly sliced green onions or a handful of microgreens for a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice that wakes up the palate without overshadowing the other components.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a light main course on its own, but it also pairs fantastically with hearty soups like butternut squash or roasted tomato basil. For a richer meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon to add protein without overwhelming the salad’s delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation at your next gathering, try layering the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off the colorful pears, cranberries, and Brie. Alternatively, serve it in individual small bowls or plates, artfully arranging the pears and Brie wedges on top to make every plate look like a work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the pears fresh. Brie can become mushy if mixed too early, so keep it aside until ready to serve.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suited for freezing because the texture of the spinach, pears, and Brie will not hold up well after thawing. However, you can freeze the Honey Dijon dressing separately in small containers for up to one month.

Reheating

The Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon is not meant to be reheated. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience. If you want to warm it up, avoid putting the Brie in and add it fresh to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely! While Brie offers a wonderfully creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar experience or goat cheese if you prefer a tangier touch. Just keep in mind that the creamy softness is key to balancing the salad’s flavors.

Is it possible to make the salad vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version of the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon, substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed within a few hours. The spinach and pears will start to lose their crispness after this time, so if you plan to prepare ahead, keep components separate and toss just before serving.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Walnuts bring a lovely earthiness and crunch, but feel free to experiment with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for different flavor profiles. Just toast them lightly to bring out their best texture and aroma.

What is the best way to slice the pears?

Thin, even slices work best for this salad to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors and textures. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve consistent slices that look beautiful and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon that makes it a standout on any table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and quick to prepare, perfect for those moments when you want impressive but effortless. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it as a side dish, or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to become a favorite recipe you return to time and time again. Don’t wait to make it your own today!