Winter Salad with Pears, Pomegranate, and Swiss Cheese

A fresh and vibrant Winter Salad with Pears, Pomegranate, and Swiss Cheese, featuring the best seasonal fruit, creamy Swiss cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing. This delicious salad is perfect for a holiday table, special occasions, or as a simple yet elegant side for a healthy recipe that celebrates the best fruits of the season.

Table of Contents

1. Why We Love This Recipe
2. What You’ll Need
3. How to Make Winter Salad with Pears, Pomegranate, and Swiss Cheese
4. Recipe FAQ’s
5. Tips for Success
6. What to Serve with This Winter Salad
7. Substitutions and Variations
8. More Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes You’ll Adore
9. Winter Pear, Pomegranate & Swiss Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

This pear salad recipe is a perfect mix of textures and flavors. Fresh pears add natural sweetness, pomegranate seeds bring a juicy pop, and Swiss cheese provides a creamy contrast. Tossed with toasted pecans and homemade poppy seed dressing, every bite is irresistible.

Beyond being delicious, this winter salad is a gorgeous way to showcase seasonal fruit. The red pomegranate, green pears, and golden pecans make it perfect for a holiday table or a simple, healthy recipe to enjoy all season long.

Craving more winter salad inspiration? Don’t miss these favorites: Fig & Pistachio Salad with Easy Balsamic Dressing, Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts, Persimmon, Pomegranate, and Spinach Salad, Fall Panzanella Salad, and Easy Orange Pomegranate Salad recipe with an Orange Vinaigrette!

Why We Love This Recipe

• This winter salad is bursting with seasonal fruit, bringing together the best flavors of the season. Sweet pears, tart pomegranate arils, and savory Swiss cheese make every bite irresistible.
• The homemade poppy seed dressing is creamy, tangy, and speckled with poppy seeds for extra texture. It also makes a wonderful DIY Christmas gift when bottled up in cute jars.
• Perfect for a holiday dinner, a light main dish with chicken breast, or small plates for happy hour. This salad is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a new favorite.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• Romaine Lettuce – A crisp and sturdy base that holds up beautifully to the dressing and toppings. Spring mix or baby spinach also work well for a softer texture.
• Pear – Fresh, juicy, and slightly sweet, pears add the perfect balance to the tangy dressing. Bartlett or D’Anjou pears are best, but Honeycrisp apple slices are a great alternative.
• Pomegranate – Bursting with tart, juicy flavor, pomegranate seeds bring vibrant color and a little crunch. Use fresh arils or store-bought pomegranate seeds for convenience.
• Swiss Cheese – Creamy, mild, and slightly nutty, Swiss cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit. For a tangier option, feta or blue cheese can be used instead.
• Toasted Pecans – Crunchy, rich, and slightly sweet, pecans add the perfect texture. Swap them for cashews or chopped walnuts if you prefer.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances the acidity in the dressing and enhances the natural sweetness of the pears and pomegranate.
• Dry Mustard – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the homemade poppy seed dressing.
• Table Salt – Enhances every ingredient, making the flavors pop.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides the tangy kick that makes the dressing so irresistible.
• Vegetable Oil – Creates a silky-smooth dressing that coats every bite. Olive oil works too but will have a stronger flavor.
• Grated Onion – A secret ingredient that gives the dressing a slight sharpness without overpowering it.
• Poppy Seeds – Tiny but mighty, they add texture and a hint of nuttiness to the dressing.

How to Make Winter Salad with Pears, Pomegranate, and Swiss Cheese

1. Mix base ingredients. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine sugar, dry mustard, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Stir occasionally and let it warm for about 4–5 minutes, just until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat once everything is fully combined.
2. Whisk oil in. Slowly pour the vegetable oil into the warm vinegar mixture, whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the dressing turns smooth and slightly thickened. This step is key to getting that silky, well-emulsified texture!

3. Add flavor boosters. Stir in the grated onion and poppy seeds, mixing well so everything is evenly distributed. The onion gives a subtle depth of flavor, while the poppy seeds add a little texture and that signature speckled look.
4. Store and chill. Pour the dressing into a large jar or divide it into smaller jars if you’re planning to gift some. Refrigerate until chilled, and don’t forget to shake well before serving!

5. Prepare salad ingredients. Slice the pear into thin, even slices and remove the pomegranate seeds. If using a whole pomegranate, carefully break it open and separate the arils from the skin. Chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, grate the Swiss cheese, and toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
6. Assemble salad. In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, pear slices, pomegranate arils, grated Swiss cheese, and toasted pecans. Toss everything together gently or plate individual servings for a more elegant presentation. Drizzle the homemade poppy seed dressing over the top, or serve it on the side to let everyone dress their own portion to taste.
7. Serve and enjoy. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the crisp greens, juicy fruit, and creamy cheese complementing the tangy dressing. Whether served as a side dish for a holiday dinner or a light main dish with chicken breast, it’s a perfect way to bring color and flavor to your winter table.

Recipe FAQ’s

Tips for Success

• Use the freshest seasonal fruit for the best flavor. Ripe pears and juicy pomegranate arils make all the difference in this winter salad.
• Toast the pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor. A few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat will bring out their natural sweetness.
• Slice the pears just before serving to keep them from browning. If prepping ahead, a quick toss in lemon juice can help preserve their color.
• Dress individual servings instead of the whole bowl if you plan on saving leftovers. This keeps the greens crisp and the salad fresh.
• Shake the homemade poppy seed dressing well before using. The oil and vinegar can separate, but a quick shake brings everything back together.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the Swiss cheese for feta cheese, creamy goat cheese, or blue cheese for a bolder flavor twist. Each one brings a unique taste to the salad.
• Use walnuts or cashews instead of pecans for a different kind of crunch. Candied nuts also add a touch of sweetness.
• Try a different dressing if you want to mix things up. A balsamic vinaigrette or a maple syrup-based dressing would pair well with the pears and pomegranate.
• Add some protein to make it a full meal. Grilled chicken breast, crispy chickpeas, or even sliced steak turn this winter salad into a hearty main dish.
• Replace the pears with thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple if you prefer a crisper, slightly tangier fruit.
• Mix in some baby spinach or spring mix with the Romaine lettuce for a variety of textures and flavors.

More Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes You’ll Adore

• Basil Couscous Salad
• Strawberry Corn Salad
• Grilled Peach Salad
• Creamy German Cucumber Salad
• Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata
• Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad
• Zucchini Salad
• Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios

This post was originally shared in November 2016. It has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips and information.