Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp salad featuring bitter endive balanced by sweet pears and tangy dressing for a refreshing appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs heads endive, pears, goat cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice endive heads into wedges and thinly slice pears; combine in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over endive and pears, tossing gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Divide salad between plates, top with 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, and season with additional salt if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep heads endive from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Endive and Pear Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes