Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad featuring caramelized pears infused with bourbon and toasted walnuts, tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs ripe pears, sliced, bourbon, walnuts, chopped into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup chopped walnuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 sliced ripe pears and 1/4 cup bourbon to the same skillet, cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes until pears soften and bourbon reduces slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large salad bowl, toss 5 cups mixed salad greens with the warm bourbon-poached pears and toasted walnuts.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful starter or side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple 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 ripe pears, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple 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 Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Bourbon Pear and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

American 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.

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