Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Recipe

If you’re searching for a salad that wows with its perfect balance of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors, you’ve just found it. The Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon is a delightful mélange that sings with freshness and sophistication in every bite. With tender baby spinach leaves serving as the vibrant base, juicy slices of ripe pear adding natural sweetness, creamy Brie melting subtly alongside toasted walnuts for crunch, and the honey Dijon dressing tying it all together with just the right zing, this salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a quick yet impressive appetizer, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, colorful, and utterly delicious experience.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

None of these ingredients are complicated, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon. From the fresh produce to the toasted nuts, every element adds texture, flavor, or a pop of color that makes this salad shine.

• 4 cups baby spinach: The crisp, tender leaves are the green foundation that carries the other flavors beautifully.
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced: Pears provide juicy sweetness and a delicate fruity aroma that complements the cheese.
• 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese, sliced or cubed: Creamy and mild, Brie adds a luscious richness to contrast the bright greens and sweet pears.
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts: Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts textures perfectly.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional): These add a tart sweetness and a lovely jewel-like color making the salad even more inviting.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Forms the smooth base of the honey Dijon dressing for a silky finish.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity that balances the sweet and creamy elements.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle kick and depth to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and highlights the pears’ flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds freshness and prevents the pears from browning too quickly.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the tastes into harmony.

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

Step 1: Make the Honey Dijon Dressing

Whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until perfectly smooth is the first step. This dressing is a game-changer—its bold yet balanced flavors elevate every ingredient in the salad and ensure each bite is bursting with tangy sweetness and a little gentle heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the baby spinach, thinly sliced ripe pears, toasted walnuts, and if you choose, the dried cranberries. Combining these ingredients first helps distribute the textures and flavors evenly, creating a deliciously inviting salad foundation.

Step 3: Add the Brie Cheese

Next, gently fold in the slices or cubes of creamy Brie on top. This step is best done with care since the Brie adds that irresistible, rich creaminess which contrasts beautifully with the crisp pears and crunchy walnuts.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad and toss lightly but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and slice is coated without breaking apart the delicate Brie. This light toss is what brings all the flavors together in harmony.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, garnished with extra walnut pieces or a small drizzle of honey if you want to enhance the sweetness. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so your taste buds can experience the full range of textures and vibrant flavors.

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

Garnishes

Adding a few extra toasted walnut halves or a small sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can create an elegant presentation and deepen the flavor profile. If you love a hint of crunch or color contrast, sprinkle some extra dried cranberries on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a light grilled chicken breast for a satisfying meal. For something heartier, try serving it alongside quinoa or wild rice to balance protein and grains while keeping things fresh and flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon in individual glass bowls or on rustic wooden boards with the elements beautifully arranged for a stunning visual effect. You can also stuff the salad into butter lettuce cups for a fun finger-food idea at casual gatherings or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad components separately for best results—keep the dressing in a sealed jar and the salad mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness and flavor.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh greens and creamy Brie, which can lose texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the contrast of crisp and creamy ingredients.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t recommended for this salad because it’s designed to be fresh and chilled. Brie and spinach textures change when heated, and the honey Dijon dressing tastes best cold or at room temperature. If using as part of a warm meal, serve the salad on the side fresh instead.

FAQs

Can I substitute Brie with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Soft cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese work really well if you want a similar creamy texture and a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to choose something that pairs nicely with pears and walnuts.

Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?

Toasting walnuts isn’t mandatory, but it really boosts their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness and crunch that complements the salad perfectly. Simply toast them lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the Brie with a vegan creamy cheese alternative and use a maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

How long will this salad stay fresh once dressed?

Because of the delicate ingredients like spinach and Brie, it’s best eaten within a few hours after dressing. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving.

What other dressings can I try with this salad?

If you want to switch things up, a balsamic vinaigrette made with good-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a fantastic alternative. It adds a slightly richer, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pears and Brie.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe the Pear, Brie & Walnut Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon is a gem that belongs on every home cook’s roster. It’s unbelievably easy to toss together yet sophisticated enough to impress guests or simply brighten your day with fresh, vibrant flavors. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to salad, perfect for any occasion!