This Autumn Arugula Pear Salad Recipe is full of cooked pears, pecans, bacon, shallots, goat cheese, berries and topped with the best port dressing! Easy to make and feels fancy!

Salad in bowl with all the toppings on — I can't wait for you to try this salad!

This is my favorite autumn salad. It is so flavorful, so easy to make, and tastes like a million bucks.

I first had a version of this pecan pear salad at a restaurant in Albuquerque, and ever since I moved to a new town, I knew I needed to come up with a similar recipe to make it for myself.

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How to make autumn salad?

Toast pecan halves
Cook bacon
Slice up pears, toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, then broil
Make the dressing
Assemble and enjoy!

Process shots of how to make the salad — There are only a few steps to make one of the best salads you will ever have!

What kind of pears should you use for the salad?

I like to go with a semi firm pear, and will usually get either Bosc or Bartlett pears.

How do you cut pears for a salad?

I like to slice from top to bottom and make wedges. Don’t forget to remove the pit and seeds.

If you prefer smaller pear slices that works too.

What kind of cheese goes with pears?

This autumn salad goes great with with goat cheese or gorgonzola.

However, if you would rather use blue cheese or brie for this salad that would taste delicious too!

Pears by themselves are also delicious with cheddar cheese in my opinion. What other cheeses do you like with pears? Let me know in the comments!

Can I make this autumn salad recipe ahead of time? How to store leftovers?

Absolutely. Toast the pecans, broil the pears, and cook the bacon. Store every topping separately.

To reheat the pears and bacon simply microwave.

Make the dressing ahead of time but don’t mix in the olive oil until ready to serve. You can microwave or heat on the stove the dressing if you want it warm.

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If you make the dressing and have leftovers, store in the refrigerator. To reheat simply microwave until the olive oil has melted.

Let’s talk about the dressing for a second.

Port vinaigrette is so simple and so incredibly delicious.

Close up of salad — The combination of all the toppings makes this so flavorful!

How to make port vinaigrette dressing?

Combine port and diced shallots in a saucepan
Bring to a boil and stir for 3 minutes
Remove from heat, strain shallots, mix in olive oil and red wine vinegar

Process photos of how to make port dressing — This Port Vinaigrette is so delicious!

Why type of Port do I recommend?

Honestly, I try to find a cheaper Port since I will be using it in the dressing and not drinking it- and Port can definitely become quite pricey!

This dressing is great on a brie and prosciutto salad too!

How to store dressing?

I like to store the dressing in a mason jar. That way you can shake it to get rid of any separation right a way and you can just put a lid on it and store in the refrigerator any leftovers.

What if you don’t have Port?

I too have found myself every now and then sadly without Port when I wat to make this delicious pear salad recipe. When that happens, I try to use red wine vinegar and a little sugar to substitute (Port typically has a lot sugar in it).

Simply boil the shallots in red wine vinegar and a tablespoon of sugar and skip adding the red wine vinegar at the end of the recipe. It will still be tasty but definitely give using real Port a try!

One of the best things about salads is once you have all the toppings ready all you have to do is assemble. This makes is really easy to have tasty salads throughout the week.

I am so excited for you to try this easy pear salad! Seriously, say goodbye to old boring salads that no one really wants to eat!

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