Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad – Savory, Sweet, and Perfect for Fall Gatherings
Earthy potatoes, juicy pears, and sweet caramelized onions come together in this Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad, creating a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy meals. It’s one of those simple recipes that feels a little bit surprising — and a lot irresistible — from the very first bite.
This unexpected but delicious combination brings out the best in autumn produce, blending savory, sweet, and tangy notes into a hearty and refreshing salad. If you love seasonal, rustic dishes, you might also enjoy our Parsnip Tarte Tatin, which turns humble ingredients into something truly special.
Ideal for potlucks, holiday tables, or as a standout side dish, this easy salad captures the essence of rustic, seasonal cooking. And if you’re looking for another fresh, colorful option, our Strawberry Salad adds a bright, vibrant touch to any spread.
✅ Recipe Summary
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 40 minutes
👥 Servings: 4–6 servings
⚡ Difficulty: Easy
🧾 Ingredients
- 1½ pounds small potatoes, halved (680g)
- 2 ripe but firm pears, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5ml)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the halved potatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. - Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender.
Let cool slightly. - In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized, about 10 minutes. - In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and pear slices to the bowl.
Toss gently to combine and coat with dressing. - Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
📌 Notes
✅ Choose pears that are ripe but still firm for best texture.
✅ Caramelize the onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.
✅ Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking up the pears and potatoes.
🔄 Variations & Add-ons
✅ Add crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a creamy twist.
✅ Include toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
✅ Swap the red onion for shallots for a milder flavor.
✅ Try a honey-mustard vinaigrette instead of balsamic dressing.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
🌍 Background Story
Potato salads have been beloved across many cultures for centuries, from rustic German recipes to creamy American picnic staples.
This Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad offers a creative seasonal twist by blending the hearty texture of potatoes with the bright sweetness of ripe pears and the rich depth of caramelized onions.
The idea of combining savory and sweet elements in a salad traces back to European countryside cooking, where local produce and preserved ingredients were mixed to create hearty meals.
By roasting the potatoes and slowly caramelizing the onions, this salad takes on an earthy, slightly smoky complexity that pairs beautifully with the juicy bite of pear.
It’s a simple but elegant side dish that brings rustic farmhouse flavors to modern tables — perfect for autumn feasts, casual dinners, or festive occasions.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side to roasted meats, hearty vegetarian dishes, or even grilled fish.
It also pairs wonderfully with fresh bread and a crisp glass of white wine or light cider.
Leftovers make a fantastic packed lunch the next day!
❓ FAQs About Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, but add the pears just before serving for best freshness.
What other types of pears can I use?
Bosc or Anjou pears work beautifully because they hold their shape well.
Can I skip caramelizing the onions?
You can, but caramelized onions add a deep, sweet flavor that’s key to this dish.
Is this salad good served cold?
It’s best slightly warm or at room temperature, but it’s still delicious chilled.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely!
They add an extra layer of sweetness and a pop of color.
✨ Final Thoughts
Savory, sweet, and soul-warming, this Potato, Pear, and Onion Salad brings simple ingredients together into something truly memorable.
Comforting, rustic, and effortlessly elegant.
