Pear Salad: A Southern Classic Grows Up

Pear Salad is a Southern dish that is listed in the favorite recipes section of most of our recipe boxes. I've updated it with grilled pears, toasted pecans, gorgonzola (or blue cheese), and a drizzle of jalapeno honey plus you'll learn the easiest way to grill perfect pears. Granny might not approve of the fancy changes but she never approved of that cute bikini you had, either.

A big thank you goes to CK Mondavi and Family Wines for sponsoring this recipe.

Pear Salad Ingredients

The ingredients in this updated recipe are as simple as the classic pear salad you grew up with. I like it with either blue cheese or gorgonzola, which ever you prefer.

• Bosc Pears, a little underripe, or your favorite variety
• Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese
• Pecans
• Jalapeno honey, or use lavender honey or plain honey
• Oil
• Mixed salad greens

Sunday Dinner Was Special, Remember?

It was dishes like pear salad served on a crackly finish deviled egg plate that made Sunday dinners special.

But it wasn't just the food... no... it was the fact that you were eating the same foods that you'd eaten all your life, on a table you'd spent nearly every Sunday of your life at, surrounded by the same people, the same conversations, and the same smells that had accompanied every Sunday afternoon from your baby dedication (or christening) to that very moment in time.

It was comforting to know exactly what Uncle Bill was going to say when Grandma put the ham in the middle of the table, how Grampa would glance around for quiet when he was ready to pray, and the moment that Great-Aunt GiGi would nod off with quiet snores.

Sunday dinner has never been about the food that was served as much as it was about the traditions behind serving it. It was those traditions that kept us close, helped us know who we were and where we fit in to the world.

It's those traditional foods can that help us find our way back, don't you think?

How to Grill Pears Step By Step

The reason the pears are grilled for this pear salad is that the heat caramelized them and brings out the sweetness without making them "canned pear" sweet. It only takes a couple of minutes and the result is spectacular, I promise.

1. Heat the grill to a medium heat and let it sit there for about 10 minutes. You want the grates to put nice charred marks across the pears.
2. Meanwhile, wash the pears and slice them in half. Remove the cores but leave the peels on.
3. Lightly brush the cut surface of the pears with oil. I use peanut oil but you could use any light vegetable oil.
4. Carefully put the pears, cut side down, on the hot grill. I like to lay them so the grate marks are horizontal not vertical.
5. Don't close the grill hood.
6. Leave them there for 3 minutes and then gently use a spatula to lift one up to see if the grill marks are dark enough and the pear flesh is shiny with juice.
7. If not lay it back down and grill for another minute or two. You don't want them to get soft or cooked through.
8. Remove them from the grill and they are ready to use in your pear salad!

Pear Salad Variations

There are several variations to this updated pear salad - it really is very versatile! Here are some of my favorites.

• Use Gorgonzola instead of Blue Cheese
• Use apples instead of pears
• Use chopped candied pecans
• Chop up some dates and crisp bacon for the center
• Slice or cube the pear and mix into the salad greens
• Drizzle with vanilla balsamic vinegar instead of honey
• Drizzle with maple syrup

And I'm definitely trying this more traditional salad from Minimalist Baker!

If You Love This Grilled Pear Salad You May Also Like...

I love fall and all of the recipes that go with it! Although I am absolutely in love with this pear salad recipe I have tons of other fall favorites!

More Favorite Side Dishes for Fall

Here are some of the best!

• Cinnamon Apples are just as gorgeous as they are delicious! Tangy apples are simmered in cinnamon syrup until they are infused with crimson color and spicy cinnamon flavor.
• Candied Jalapenos are sweet, tangy, crispy, and spicy. They’re an addictive snack, perfect in sandwiches, and perk up your favorite salads.
• Fig Jam is made from dried Black Mission figs so you can make it anytime of the year. Using dried figs enhances the sweetness of the jam giving it more depth and flavor. 
• Sweet Potato Fries are easy to make with these tips and tricks! All of the healthy goodness of sweet potatoes in spicy, salty, sweet, and crispy fries!
• Sweet Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a little sweet and a little spicy. It’s a healthy side dish that goes perfectly with roasted meats  and poultry. 
• Pineapple Casserole is a classic southern side dish that's sweet and salty and crispy and juicy... JUST DELICIOUS!

Tips for Perfect Pear Salad

This is really an easy recipe but here are a few tips that will ensure your success!

• Make sure the pears aren't over-ripe. They should be firm to the touch when you squeeze gently.
• Use a light, flavorless cooking oil.
• Make sure you brush the oil on the pears generously.
• Preheat the grill for 10 to 15 minutes to bring it up to the correct temperature. Putting the pears on the grill when it's not hot enough will cause them to stick.
• You can grill the pears the day before, brush them with lemon, and keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator overnight.
• If you want to assemble your salad ahead of time just leave the honey and pecans off. Refrigerate and then add the honey and pecans just before serving.
• Can't grill? Use a heavy cast iron grill pan on your stove or use a plumber's torch to caramelize the cut pears.

Choosing the Right Wine Is Easy

When it comes to choosing the right wine the CK Mondavi and Family Wines website is so helpful. You can find the perfect wine to go with ANY dish or occasion by using the Wine Pairings Made Simple infographic.

Or, if you're having trouble finding their wine?

Just use the Wine Finder to locate wines near you! You can also earn savings on CK Mondavi and Family wines on the Ibotta app. Download for free to save!

Follow on social media to keep up with all the news, new wine releases, contests, and more!

 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Vimeo

As I said, I love working with this incredible family and enjoying the wines that they create! Here are more recipes that I've created in partnership with them.

• Roast Quail and Camembert Cheese Grits is an easy dish. The lavender balsamic glaze gives it a citrus flavor that cuts the richness of the Camembert cheese grits nicely. It’s a romantic dinner that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. 
• Grilled Fried Green Tomato Pizza is not just unique – it’s delicious! It combines a healthy, whole wheat pizza crust with smoked cheese, and my favorite recipe for fried green tomatoes to create a truly unique pizza recipe that’s Southern all the way.
• Blackberry Merlot Cobbler is full of plump berries and sweet dumplings that simmer along with a red wine blend until they come together in a thick, sweet compote. The red wine blend enhances the flavor of the berries and keeps this classic southern dessert from being too sweet. 
• Lemon Bars with Gingersnap Crust is extra lemony, tart, and tangy! Creamy lemon filling is made with extra lemon juice and baked atop a gingersnap crust.
• Lemon Pound Cake has a generous amount of buttery Chardonnay that gives it a unique, mellow flavor. I made them into personal sized, mini pound cakes so they are summer picnic perfect!

You May Need -

What’s new? Check out my Restless Chipotle & Co. Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness!  Thanks so much for being a part of Restless Chipotle!

Although any honey is good on this pear salad I especially like jalapeno honey because it gives it a little kick.

Grilled Pear Salad Recipe

I love this easy side dish for fall. The grilling brings out all of the golden sweetness in the pear, the salty cheese keeps it from being cloying, and it's beautiful on a plate. You can't really ask for more than that.

Pour a glass of Sunset Red Blend and invite family and friends over to grill, eat, and sip some wine while watching the sun go down and the stars come out. Life is good, isn't it?