This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please visit the disclosures and privacy policy page.
Nov 1, 2020

Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad

This roasted pear, Parmesan, and spiced pecan salad is so refreshing, and it was the perfect dinner this weekend when I wanted something light. It's a tasty combination of sweet pears, salty cheese, peppery arugula, and spicy pecans.



Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad with Arugula and balsamic





I found some huge Asian pears in my local grocery store. They may be a bit pricey, but they were perfect for roasting, and just burst with juice when we sliced into them. In addition, I found some authentic Parmigiano Reggiano yesterday that I couldn't resist.

The pecans in this salad are tossed in hot maple syrup, and then dusted with cinnamon, chili powder, and sea salt. They are sticky and sweet.. and difficult to resist as they sit waiting to be tossed into the salad.



Spiced Pecans




You could also buy spiced pecans, but these are so extra special with the combination of flavors and spices, they are worth the effort. 

In fact, make extra just for snacking. 


For the Dressing:

You will need extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. The oil to vinegar ratio is 50/50, which ensures that the balsamic flavor shines. 

What is balsamic vinegar? It's a highly concentrated dark vinegar made from grapes. The flavor is strong. The good stuff, which is aged for several years, is produced in specific regions of Italy and receives the Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO status. 

You don't have to buy to the expensive stuff to make this dressing. The balsamic vinegar of Modena from Costco is really good. 



Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad with Balsamic



I used Asian pears in this salad, which are kind of crispy and almost apple-like, so broiling them worked out perfectly. You can use any pear you like, but make sure they are ripe but still firm. 

For the rest of the salad, use a bunch of arugula and some shaved Parmesan cheese. The combination of the sweet and spicy pecans, the salty Parmesan, the balsamic dressing, and the roasted pears is out of this world. 

Roasted Pear and Spiced Pecan Salad




I first posted this recipe in April, 2014. Back in the day, I was a member of a group called Secret Recipe Club. Every month we would be assigned a member's food blog to find and make a recipe. 

Then we would have a "reveal day" where we all simultaneously posted our recipes. It was so much fun and I made some true friends through that group, four of which I've actually met in person. 

This post was adapted from 84th & 3rd, a gorgeous blog written and photographed by JJ. She is a writer, recipe developer, and photographer who just happens to live in Sydney, Australia. It looks like she hasn't posted for a couple of years, but her beautiful blog is still up. 




From Our Dinner Table Logo






Welcome to another From Our Dinner Table Event. This week the theme is Pecans: 


We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!







Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad




Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad

Print
Roasted Pear, Parmesan, and Spiced Pecan Salad
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Karen Kerr
This roasted pear, Parmesan, and spiced pecan salad is a tasty combination of sweet pears, salty cheese, peppery arugula, and spicy pecans.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Pecans
  • 1/2 C pecan halves
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Pinch of chipotle chili powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
For the Dressing
  • Generous 1/8 C extra virgin olive oil
  • Generous 1/8 C balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of oregano
  • Pinch of sugar
For the Salad
  • One bunch of arugula, washed and trimmed
  • Two large Asian pears, or three to four "regular" pears, quartered and cored (do not peel)
  • Juice from one lemon
  • One to two ounces of Parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions

  1. Prepare a sheet pan with parchment or foil and set aside. In a nonstick skillet, heat the maple syrup on low. When it is just beginning to bubble, toss in the pecans and spices and stir to coat the nuts. Pour the nuts onto the prepared sheet pan and spread out in a single layer to cool.
  2. Mix the dressing ingredients.
  3. Prepare a sheet pan with foil. Set your oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler and turn the oven on to broil.
  4. Toss the pear quarters in the lemon juice and place them, skin side down, onto the foil lined baking sheet. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely.
  5. Place the arugula into four bowls or plates. Divide the pecans, warm pears, and shaved cheese among the bowls. Drizzle with the dressing.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

I used Asian pears in this salad, which are kind of crispy and almost apple-like, so broiling them worked out perfectly. You can use any pear you like, but make sure they are ripe but still firm. 

Pears, pecans
Salad
American
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @karenskitchenstories.com on instagram and hashtag it #karenskitchenstories
Created using The Recipes Generator
 

    Would you like to comment?

    1. Happy Reveal Day!! What I great recipe, perfect pick with summer on it's way:) Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines

      ReplyDelete
    2. I loved 84th and 3rd's blog too!! Great pick - it looks so refreshing and healthy!

      ReplyDelete
    3. This salad is gorgeous. Rocket, pear and parmesan is one of my favourite combos, especially when the pears are roasted. I would very happily make a meal of this.

      ReplyDelete
    4. What an amazing salad. I love the contrasting flavors! Great pick this month :)

      ReplyDelete
    5. this salad sounds so good! Pear, pecan and parmesan.. 3 delicious P's :)

      ReplyDelete
    6. Love nuts and fruit with salads - it's the best combination!
      Happy Reveal Day!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Thanks so much Sarah, and thanks for all of your hard work.

        Delete
    7. Beautiful salad, elegant and flavorful, perfect! I have never used Asian pears, an ingredient I find quite intriguing... gotta search for it

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. They are really juicy, but firm like an apple. Kind of like a large Bosc pear. Thanks for visiting Sally!

        Delete
    8. Yum! This seems like just the perfect salad! I love how it has all the flavor profiles.

      ReplyDelete
    9. What a gorgeous salad - great choice this month!!

      ReplyDelete
    10. Great combo of flavors! I love the sweet & salty! Sounds like an awesome salad :)

      ReplyDelete
    11. Those pecans need to happen! Gotta go to the store and get some pecan halves (I only have diced pecans for baking)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. It was hard not to eat them before putting them on the salad.

        Delete
    12. Beautiful, beautiful salad :-) I want a HUGE bowl of this ASAP!

      ReplyDelete
    13. Hi Karen, what a wonderful salad, I bet the extra step with the pecans is well worth it, just the description alone is enough to drive me straight to the kitchen. Sounds like a fun club!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. It is fun Cheri! It gets me to try new recipes that I might not have tried too.

        Delete
    14. Oooh, this looks SO good! Yum yum. :) Visiting from group A. :)

      ReplyDelete
    15. These are so many of my favorite flavors, looks amazing!

      ReplyDelete
    16. Wow, what a wonderful combination! I have never had pears on a salad. Definitely need to try this.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. It's pretty yummy. I definitely recommend the flavor combo.

        Delete
    17. Yay! This is one of my favourite salads and using Asian pear is a great twist! Thanks for the kind words and happy April reveal :)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. The Asian pears were great in this salad. Thanks for the recipe!

        Delete
    18. This sounds like a great combo - especially those nuts!

      ReplyDelete
    19. What a perfect salad to start the Turkey Day feast. Love all those fall flavors.

      ReplyDelete
    20. It's a triple P salad! Those spiced pecans sound amazing and I love fruit and nuts in my salads.

      ReplyDelete
    21. I have a bunch of Asian pears from the CSA this week and I think this salad is in order. I think the grilled pears and maple pecans would be amazing with the balsamic vinaigrette.

      ReplyDelete
    22. This salad has all my favorite things. And (shhh) I like pears even better than apples for fall.

      ReplyDelete

    I would love to hear from you! If you comment anonymously, be sure to leave your name in your comment.