The beautiful Pear and Pomegranate Spinach Salad includes ribbons of savory prosciutto, crunchy walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola. Tossed with a maple Dijon dressing, it's what salad dreams are made of.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Pear and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Spinach Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Pomegranate Spinach Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Pear Walnut Pomegranate Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is This Walnut Pear Salad Gluten-free?
• Can I Use Another Type of Pear?
• How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
• How Do I Know if the Pears Are Ripe?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Pear and Pomegranate Salad Recipe

• Tender baby spinach
• Sweet, thinly sliced pears and juicy pomegranate
• Ribbons of savory prosciutto
• Toasted walnuts, creamy gorgonzola cheese
• Tossed in an easy maple Dijon dressing
• Easy-to-make healthy salad

This is, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous salads you'll ever make. Thinly sliced pears beautifully weave throughout the salad with pops of vibrant red pomegranate seeds. Beyond the stunning presentation, this is a seriously scrumptious salad.

The crisp baby spinach leaves contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the delicate pear slices, while the prosciutto adds salty richness to each bite. Crunchy walnut and creamy gorgonzola cheese adds even more flavor and texture. The maple Dijon dressing ties it all together with its delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

If you're looking for more ways to add a delightful burst of juicy flavor from pomegranate seeds, be sure to check out this Sweet Potato Winter Salad and this recipe for the Best Quinoa Salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Spinach Salad

• Baby spinach
• Prosciutto
• Pear
• Pomegranate seeds
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Toasted walnuts
• Red onion
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large serving platter
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Pomegranate Spinach Salad

To Make the Dressing

Add the dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until well combined and emulsified, then set aside while you prepare the salad.

To Make the Salad

Add the baby spinach to a serving platter.

Wash, core and thinly slice your pear.

Add the pear slices in several bunches over the spinach.

Tear each slice of prosciutto in half and add to the platter.

Next add the toasted walnuts and thinly sliced red onion.

Add the crumbled gorgonzola and pomegranate seeds.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving.

💡 Tips for Making Pomegranate and Spinach Salad

• Save yourself a ton of time and headache and skip peeling and seeding the pomegranates. You can buy the seeds in a container in the produce department at most grocery stores. That's exactly what I did!

• You want the pear slices to be thin, so they'll fan out in a pretty pattern. If your knife skills are lacking, you can use a kitchen mandolin (veggie slicer) to get nice and even thin slices.

• Once pears are cut, they begin to oxidized and turn yellow. If you're preparing this salad a few hours in advance, spritz them with fresh lemon juice so they'll stay nice and white.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Once the salad is assembled with the dressing, it's best to serve it immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than a day. While you can still eat it, it will become soggy.

🍴 What to Serve with Pear Walnut Pomegranate Salad

You can serve this salad with anything that you'd typically serve with a hearty salad. Here are some popular choices:

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Prime Rib for Two
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Salmon Patties
• Paprika Chicken Thighs

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Greens: Mix different greens, such as arugula, kale, or mixed spring greens, with the baby spinach for added nutrition.

• Other fruits: If you’re not a fan of pears, you can use sliced apples instead. Other fruit options to consider are peaches, nectarines, strawberries, and figs.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley can be added for a fresh pop of bright flavor.

• Nuts: You can try different types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or pine nuts instead of walnuts.  You can also add some candied nuts for added sweetness and crunch.

• Cheeses: Substitute or mix gorgonzola with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan for a different twist on taste and texture.  

• Bacon: Instead of prosciutto, you can add crispy crumbled bacon or pancetta instead.

• Dressing options: Try different vinaigrette variations, such as this Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette, Raspberry Vinaigrette, or this creamy Honey Mustard.

Is This Walnut Pear Salad Gluten-free?

It sure is. It's a great option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I Use Another Type of Pear?

Sure! Bosc pears are recommended for their firm texture and mild flavor, but you can use other varieties such as Anjou or Bartlett. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

To make this salad vegan-friendly, leave out the prosciutto and just double check that the gorgonzola cheese used is a vegan-friendly alternative.

How Do I Know if the Pears Are Ripe?

Check the pear's neck area, because it ripens first. Press your thumb near the stem end. If it gives slightly, the pear is ripe and ready to eat. Another way to tell is to smell it. If it smells sweet, that is a good indicator that the pear is ripe.

🍽️ More Healthy Salad Recipes

• Greek Salmon Salad
• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad