A pickled pear is a thing of beauty. Structurally, most fruits aren’t strong enough to handle an extended vinegar bath, but some pears are up to the challenge. Varieties like Bosc and Anjou are firm and just a bit woody. They look beautiful in a fruit bowl, but they’re often a disappointment to eat raw.
But pickled, they’re a revelation.
Strong hits of acidity are tempered by the natural fructose of pears in a way that isn’t cloying, unlike many other pickling recipes. Pears play well with fall spices, resulting in a treat that’s exciting and bright, while also comfortably warm.
Pickled pears can get you through the coldest days of winter. They can bring so many things to life, working as an alternative to root vegetables in casseroles and roasts, upgrading sandwiches beyond the standard slice of tomato, and elevating salads desperate for a taste of sunshine.
In this salad, pickled pears bring brightness to peppery arugula. They’re further balanced by salty and savory marcona almonds and large crumbles of creamy, piquant Stilton cheese. A vinaigrette that incorporates the pickling brine with an additional splash of pear nectar ties everything together.
Pickled pears can fast become an integral part of your cold-weather kitchen. Layer them into a grilled cheese sandwich made with fontina and rustic bread drizzled with olive oil, or substitute a few slices in place of lemon for pan-seared seafood. Save the brine to add to marinades for poultry or duck, or to add a surprising dose of acidity to cocktails.
Allison Robicelli and her husband Matt developed this recipe and are the chefs behind the wildly popular Robicelli’s Bakery, as well as co-authors of Robicelli’s, A Love Story, with Cupcakes.
Last Updated: May 10, 2023
Pickled Pear Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
Salad Dressing Ingredients
Directions
Peel, quarter and core pears. Place in 2-quart mason jar or container.
In medium saucepan, combine remaining pickling ingredients and bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Pour pickling liquid over pears and seal tightly. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Reserve ½ cup of pickling liquid, and pass through strainer. Set aside.
Place grapeseed oil, reserved picking liquid, pear nectar and Dijon mustard in jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. Taste, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Dress arugula and red onion lightly with dressing. Crumble in cheese, and toss well. Divide salad onto 4 plates. Cut pears into ½ inch slices and fan out on top. Sprinkle almonds atop salads. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
Pair it
Samuel Adams Rebel IPA; $10 12oz/6 pack, 91 points. This salad has a lot exciting and powerful flavors coming together, this well balanced IPA will help keep it all grounded. The bitter hop flavors wrangle in the creamy stilton and the sweet and vinegar notes of the pears; the brighter citrus notes of the beer team up with salad dressing to bring it all together.
