18 Pear Dishes That Are Sweet, Savory, and Everything In Between

Pears bring gentle sweetness, juicy texture, and a touch of elegance to both sweet and savory dishes. This collection highlights just how many ways you can use them—from salads and sandwiches to smoothies, desserts, and even cocktails. Some recipes lean into warm spices or rich cheeses, while others brighten things up with citrus, herbs, or a bit of crunch. Whether you’re baking, blending, or roasting, there’s a pear-inspired idea here for any time of day.

Air Fryer Pears

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Pears are sliced and lightly sweetened before air frying, creating a warm, tender inside with golden edges. A sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of honey makes them extra cozy. Serve with yogurt, oatmeal, or on their own. It’s a fast way to enjoy baked fruit without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pears

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

This twist on a French classic combines apples and pears caramelized in butter and sugar before being topped with pastry and baked. When flipped, the fruit glistens on top in a sticky, golden layer. The mix of textures is rich and satisfying. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Ginger Pear Tea Recipe: The Perfect Soothing Blend

A warm and soothing ginger pear tea in a mason jar with a handle. — Ginger Pear Tea Recipe: The Perfect Soothing Blend. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Fresh pear and sliced ginger are simmered to create a warm, lightly spiced tea. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and calming. You can enjoy it hot or chilled. Add a touch of lemon or honey for extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Pear Tea Recipe: The Perfect Soothing Blend

Granola Pear Bread

Chopped pears and granola mix into a tender quick bread that’s ideal for breakfast or snacking. The granola adds crunch, while the pears keep the crumb moist. Serve warm or room temperature. A simple way to use up ripe fruit.
Get the Recipe: Granola Pear Bread

Kiwi Pear Green Smoothie

This smoothie blends kiwi and pear with leafy greens for a bright, fresh flavor. It’s lightly tart, naturally sweet, and easy to sip. The texture is silky and clean. Great as a morning boost or post-workout refresher.
Get the Recipe: Kiwi Pear Green Smoothie

Moroccan pearl couscous salad

This colorful salad combines tender pearl couscous with fruit, herbs, and a zesty dressing. Pears add sweetness and softness that balance savory notes. Serve cold or room temperature. A unique side or light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan pearl couscous salad

Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp

Baked until bubbly, this crisp combines pears and quince with citrus and spice, topped with a crunchy oat topping. The result is fragrant, warm, and textured. Best served with ice cream or whipped cream. A lovely fall dessert.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp

Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

This grilled sandwich layers soft pear slices with melted Brie and crisp bacon. The combo of sweet, salty, and creamy makes every bite rich and balanced. Toasted bread holds everything together. Serve with soup or salad.
Get the Recipe: Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Pear and cranberry pinwheels on a white board. — Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Thin pear slices are wrapped in puff pastry, often with cinnamon or jam, and baked into golden spirals. They’re crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Perfect for breakfast trays or easy desserts. They also reheat well.
Get the Recipe: Pear Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

This retro-style salad uses canned or fresh pears, often topped with mayonnaise and shredded cheese. It’s served chilled on lettuce for a sweet-and-savory starter. Simple, nostalgic, and uniquely Southern. A fun dish to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

Pear Smoothie

Ripe pears blend into a thick, velvety smoothie with a mild sweetness. You can add cinnamon, oats, or milk for variation. It’s a mellow base that plays well with many add-ins. Serve cold with a dash of spice on top.
Get the Recipe: Pear Smoothie

Prickly Pear Margarita

This drink features bright pink prickly pear juice shaken with tequila and lime. It’s vibrant, slightly sweet, and very refreshing. Best served over ice with a salted rim. A bold twist on the classic cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Prickly Pear Margarita

Prosciutto with Pears, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

Thin slices of prosciutto are paired with fresh pear, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese. It’s a mix of sweet, salty, and sharp. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra punch. A simple but elegant appetizer or salad.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto with Pears, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

A bowl of Colombian ceviche with pear, fennel, and mango. — Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This fruit-forward ceviche includes chopped pear, mango, and shaved fennel in a citrus marinade. The pear adds softness to the acidic base. Bright, juicy, and unexpected. Serve cold with tortilla chips or plantains.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

Roasted Pear Salad

Pears are roasted until tender and caramelized, then added to greens, cheese, and nuts. The warm fruit contrasts nicely with the crisp salad base. Finish with vinaigrette or honey mustard. A standout side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Roasted Pearl Onions

While not made with pears, these small onions roast into tender, caramelized bites. Their natural sweetness deepens in the oven. Great alongside roasted meats or in grain bowls. A simple but flavorful vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pearl Onions

Scrumptious Apple and Pear Chutney

Apples and pears simmer with vinegar, sugar, and spices into a thick chutney. It’s tangy, sweet, and packed with flavor. Serve with cheese, meats, or spread on sandwiches. It stores well in jars.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Apple and Pear Chutney

Spiced Pear Oatmeal

Two bowls of oatmeal topped with diced caramelized pears sit on a table with a green pear, spoon, and scattered oats nearby. — Spiced Pear Oatmeal. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Diced pears are cooked into oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of maple. The fruit softens and sweetens the whole bowl. Serve warm with milk or yogurt. A cozy breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Oatmeal

Coconut Tapioca Pearls Dessert

Creamy coconut dessert with sweetpotatoess, purple yam, and chewy tapioca pearls in a bowl. — Coconut Tapioca Pearls Dessert (西米露). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Tapioca pearls simmer in sweet coconut milk for a creamy, lightly chewy dessert. Often served with fruit or syrup on top. It’s cooling, soft, and subtly sweet. A classic in many Asian cuisines.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Tapioca Pearls Dessert