As the leaves start to turn golden and the air becomes crisp, I find myself longing for vibrant, seasonal dishes that capture the essence of autumn. That’s how I stumbled upon this delightful Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad, bursting with the season’s best flavors. Imagine the sweet crunch of ripe Bartlett pears paired with the savory richness of crispy bacon and the slightly nutty bite of shredded Brussels sprouts. Toss in some creamy gorgonzola and toasted pecans, and you have a dish that’s not just a feast for the palate but a stunning addition to any table.

This salad is both versatile and easy to prepare, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with friends and family. With its harmonious blend of textures and tastes, it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Let’s dive into this recipe that beautifully balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every bite!

Why is Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad a must-try?

Seasonal Delight: This salad captures the essence of fall, showcasing seasonal produce.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip this up.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pears, savory bacon, and creamy gorgonzola is unforgettable.
Textural Harmony: Enjoy a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and chewy textures in every bite.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side at your next gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Check out more ideas to elevate your salad by using our variation ideas.

Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for your delicious Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad!

For the Salad

Bacon – Adds savory richness and crunch; swap with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Brussels Sprouts – Provides crisp texture and a slightly nutty flavor; trim bottoms and shred finely for best results.
Parsley – Offers a fresh, herby note; basil can be used instead for a different flavor profile.
Pecans – Adds nuttiness and crunch; toasting them enhances their flavor—may substitute with walnuts.
Bartlett Pears – Imparts sweetness and softness; add just before serving to avoid browning.
Gorgonzola Cheese – Contributes a tangy creaminess; goat cheese or feta can be used for a milder taste.
Shallot – Provides a subtle onion flavor; can be replaced with red onion if needed.

For the Dressing

Olive Oil – Acts as a base for the dressing, imparting richness.
Rendered Bacon Drippings – Adds depth of flavor to the dressing; can be omitted for a vegan option.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish with acidity; fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste.
Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing perfectly.
Maple Syrup – Introduces a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste; adjust based on your preferences.

With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating a delightful and satisfying Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad that captures the essence of autumn!

How to Make Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

Cook Bacon: In a medium skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and reserve drippings.
Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, cooked bacon, diced Bartlett pears, chopped pecans, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, minced shallot, and parsley for a fresh herby note.
Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, reserved bacon drippings, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine all the glorious flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the wonderful textures!

Optional: Top with additional crushed pecans for an extra crunchy delight.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad?

When it comes to creating a memorable meal, pairing your Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad with complementary dishes can elevate the entire dining experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth richness of mashed potatoes balances the crisp textures of the salad, making every bite delightful.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color bring warmth to the table while harmonizing with the autumn theme.
Australian Shiraz: A bold red wine like Shiraz complements the smokiness of bacon, enhancing the complex flavors of the salad beautifully.
Roasted Butternut Squash: Its buttery sweetness and tender texture beautifully contrast the crunch of Brussels sprouts, highlighting seasonal produce.
Garlic Herb Chicken: A juicy, herb-infused chicken pairs seamlessly with the salad, offering a satisfying balance of protein.
Walnut Tart: For a sweet finish, this rich dessert echoes the walnut flavors in the salad, leaving everyone with a memorable taste of fall.
Bruschetta with Goat Cheese: The tangy creaminess of goat cheese complements the salad’s gorgonzola, creating a lovely flavor overlap.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink brings a hint of sweetness and effervescence, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Pear Crisp: Conclude your meal with a warm pear crisp that mirrors the salad’s fresh ingredients, wrapping up your autumn feast beautifully.

How to Store and Freeze Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezer: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended; the texture of the Brussels sprouts and pears may suffer.

Reheating: If you have leftover dressing, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving over fresh greens to revive flavors.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the Brussels sprouts, pecans, and dressing ahead of time; store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days for an easy assembly later.

Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad Variations

Feel free to personalize your salad to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these creative ideas.

Dairy-Free: Swap gorgonzola with cashew cheese for a creamy, nutty flavor minus the dairy. It’s rich and delightful!
Vegan: Omit bacon and drippings, using avocado oil and nutritional yeast instead to add flavor depth and a cheesy essence without animal products.
Nutty Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch and delicious twist. Each nut brings its distinct flavor!
Dried Fruits: Add dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet-tart surprise that complements the savory elements beautifully, bringing a burst of color, too.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the pears.
Additional Greens: Mix in some arugula or spinach for extra greens and a peppery zest, turning this salad into a wholesome meal.
Herb Boost: Fresh chives or dill can enhance the flavor profile with an aromatic touch, elevating each bite to new heights.

These variations not only keep the excitement alive but also allow you to enjoy this delicious dish in countless ways!

Make Ahead Options

This Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can shred the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to 24 hours in advance; just store them separately in the fridge to maintain their textures. Additionally, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time; simply whisk together all the dressing ingredients and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the pears from browning, wait to dice and add them just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, combine all components in a bowl, drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and you’ll have a delicious, fresh salad waiting for you with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh Brussels sprouts and pears to ensure the best flavor and texture in your Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad.
Timing Matters: Add pears and dressing right before serving to prevent browning and wilting, keeping your salad fresh and vibrant.
Perfectly Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for a satisfying crunch, and drain well to avoid sogginess in your salad.
Toast Your Nuts: Toasting pecans (or walnuts) enhances their nuttiness, elevating the overall flavor of your salad—don’t skip this step!
Adjust for Taste: Keep in mind that bacon and gorgonzola can be salty; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper accordingly.

Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe pears for the salad?
Absolutely! When choosing pears, look for firm ones with a vibrant skin color. Bartlett pears should yield slightly to gentle pressure when they’re ripe, indicating they’re sweet and ready to enjoy. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes.

What are the best storage methods for leftover salad?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, which prevents the Brussels sprouts from wilting and maintains the salad’s freshness.

Can I freeze leftovers of this salad?
I don’t recommend freezing the Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad because the texture of the Brussels sprouts and pears can become mushy when thawed. If you have leftover dressing, however, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What if my bacon doesn’t turn out crispy?
Very! If your bacon isn’t crispy, try cooking it over medium-high heat for a few more minutes until it reaches that perfect golden-brown crunch. And remember, allowing it to drain on a paper towel-lined plate right after cooking helps keep it crispy by absorbing excess grease.

Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or simply omit it, and replace gorgonzola cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The savory richness can be enhanced with other roasted vegetables or extra nuts.

How long will the dressing last in the fridge?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If it solidifies due to the bacon drippings, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove before using, as it tends to emulsify nicely again when heated.