Miso-Roasted Pear Salad with Maple Walnuts
A stunning blend of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors, this Miso-Roasted Pear Salad is a showstopper for any occasion. Inspired by Japanese and French culinary traditions, this dish combines caramelized miso-roasted pears, crunchy maple walnuts, and a tangy ginger-sesame dressing over a bed of crisp greens. Whether you’re serving it as a festive side or a light main course, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious!
The umami-rich miso glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, while toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Finished with a bright, citrusy dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make!
Why This Recipe Works
1. Unique Flavor Combination: The marriage of miso and pear might sound unexpected, but it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The salty-sweet miso glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a rich depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the fresh greens and zesty dressing.
2. Easy Yet Impressive: While this salad looks restaurant-worthy, it comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. Roasting the pears intensifies their sweetness, and the maple walnuts can be made ahead for convenience.
3. Customizable: Swap out the greens (try arugula or radicchio for a peppery twist) or add protein like grilled chicken or goat cheese to make it a heartier meal.
What’s In Miso-Roasted Pear Salad?
- Pears: Firm Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape when roasted and offer a honeyed sweetness.
- White Miso Paste: Adds umami depth without overpowering the dish.
- Maple Syrup: Balances the miso’s saltiness and helps caramelize the pears.
- Mixed Greens: A base of baby kale, spinach, or butter lettuce adds freshness.
- Walnuts: Toasted with maple syrup for a crunchy, sweet contrast.
- Ginger-Sesame Dressing: A bright, tangy finish with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh ginger.
How To Make Miso-Roasted Pear Salad
This recipe is divided into three simple parts: roasting the pears, toasting the walnuts, and assembling the salad. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Roast the Pears
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together 1 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp olive oil, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Slice 2 pears into quarters, remove the cores, and brush with the miso glaze. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast ½ cup walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add 1 tbsp maple syrup and a pinch of salt, stirring until coated. Cool on parchment paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Toss 5 oz mixed greens with 2 tbsp ginger-sesame dressing (whisk 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp honey).
- Top with roasted pears, maple walnuts, and optional crumbled goat cheese or pomegranate seeds.
Sides for Miso-Roasted Pear Salad
- Miso-Glazed Salmon: Echoes the umami flavors in the salad.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: Adds a nutty, hearty element.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Complements the caramelized pears.
- Green Tea Soba Noodles: For an Asian-inspired twist.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use a Different Nut?
Yes! Pecans or almonds work well with the maple glaze.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store undressed greens and roasted pears separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Walnuts stay crisp in an airtight container.
Is There a Substitute for Miso?
For a soy-free version, use tahini mixed with a pinch of salt, though the flavor will differ.
Other Recipes To Try
- Miso-Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy, savory, and perfect for fall.
- Watermelon & Feta Salad: A refreshing summer salad with mint and lime.
- Pear & Gorgonzola Flatbread: A quick gourmet pizza with caramelized onions.
- Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad: Sweet peaches paired with creamy burrata and basil.
- Black Sesame Ice Cream: Unusual and nutty-sweet—pair with roasted pears!
- Shiso Leaf Cucumber Salad: A refreshing Japanese-inspired side.
Miso-Roasted Pear Salad
Ingredients
For the Pears:
- 2 firm Bosc pears quartered and cored
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Salad:
- 5 oz mixed greens baby kale, spinach, or butter lettuce
- ½ cup walnuts toasted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup for walnuts
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or pomegranate seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Roast Pears: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk miso, maple syrup, olive oil, and pepper. Brush onto pears and roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Toast Walnuts: In a skillet, toast walnuts with maple syrup until glossy. Cool.
- Make Dressing: Whisk vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and salt.
- Assemble: Toss greens with dressing, top with pears, walnuts, and optional toppings.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Roast pears and toast walnuts up to 1 day in advance.
- No Miso? Substitute 1 tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp tahini.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken or tofu turns this into a meal.
- Vegan Option: Skip cheese and use agave instead of honey.
- Extra Crunch: Add shaved fennel or radishes.
Nutrition
Enjoy this Miso-Roasted Pear Salad as a starter or light lunch! Share your creations with #PearfectSalad.