Spiced Pear Apple Cider Dressing

This spiced pear and apple cider reduction dressing captures all the warmth and cozy flavors of fall in a velvety smooth vinaigrette. Bright and balanced with sweet pears, tart cider, and fragrant spices, it transforms everyday salads into a celebration of the season. The blend of honey, cinnamon, and cloves recalls a memorable apple picking day with family, making this dressing feel like a hug in a bottle for your autumn gatherings.

I first whipped this up while prepping for a fall party, and it quickly became my goto dressing for Thanksgiving and cozy weeknight meals because it’s both comforting and refreshingly light.

Ingredients

• Pears: Ripe pears peeled and chopped to bring natural sweetness and smooth texture, choose pears that are firm but fragrant for best flavor
• Apple cider: Adds a tart and fruity base, opting for a fresh, unfiltered cider will deepen the taste
• Honey: For gentle sweetness and to help balance the spices, raw or wildflower honey works beautifully here
• Cinnamon stick: Gives warm aromatic depth, look for plump, reddish sticks for strongest flavor
• Whole cloves: To infuse a subtle hint of spice without overpowering, pick whole cloves rather than ground for a cleaner finish
• Salt: Helps enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness
• Dijon mustard: Provides an essential tangy note and helps emulsify the dressing
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and sharpness, use a good quality organic cider vinegar if possible
• Extra virgin olive oil: For smooth body and richness, pick a fruity and fresh oil to complement the fruits well
• Freshly ground black pepper: For a subtle heat and complexity

Instructions

Simmer the Fruit and Spices:

Place the chopped pears, apple cider, honey, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over mediumhigh heat, then reduce the temperature and simmer gently. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the pears soften and the liquid reduces by about half, concentrating the flavors and thickening the base.

Strain and Cool:

Remove the pan from heat, then discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Transfer the cooked fruit and liquid to a blender or blend directly in the pan with an immersion blender. Purée the mixture until it is completely smooth and silky. Allow it to cool to room temperature, which helps maintain the dressing’s creamy texture when adding oil.

Add Remaining Ingredients:

To the cooled pear purée, stir in the salt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a whisk or blender to mix thoroughly ensuring all the flavors are combined evenly.

Emulsify with Olive Oil:

Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the purée while whisking vigorously or blending continuously. This step is crucial to create a stable, creamy emulsion where the oil and vinegar bind together smoothly instead of separating. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if you like.

Serve or Store:

The dressing is ready to use immediately on salads, roasted vegetables, or as a dip. If storing, pour it into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to five days. Shake or whisk well before each use since some natural separation is expected.

I still remember sharing this dressing with family around the table after a joyful afternoon at the orchard, it made every bite feel like a celebration of the harvest.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover dressing tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to five days. Because the dressing naturally separates, always give it a vigorous shake or whisk before each use to bring back its creamy texture. For longer storage, it freezes well in a freezersafe container just thaw slowly and remix before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Honey can be swapped with pure maple syrup for a veganfriendly version that adds a richer sweetness and earthier flavor. Pears can be replaced with ripe Fuyu persimmons which provide a smooth texture and a subtle floral sweetness that complements the spices. Apple cider may be substituted with pear juice to emphasize the pear flavor and offer a more mellow, lightly floral base for the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing brightens bitter greens like arugula or radicchio and adds a fresh autumn twist to grain salads with quinoa or farro. It also pairs beautifully with roasted squash and crumbled goat cheese for a festive side dish. Toasted pecans or walnuts make a lovely crunchy garnish, while a dollop of tart cranberry compote alongside brings color and vibrancy for holiday entertaining.

This dressing is a cozy fall staple that elevates simple salads and roasted vegetables. Keep it chilled and shake well before serving.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why does the dressing separate after storing?

The natural emulsion breaks over time; simply shake or whisk vigorously before each use to restore smooth texture.

→ Can ground cinnamon and cloves replace whole spices?

Yes, use 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves with the pears, then strain well for smoothness.

→ How can I thin the dressing if it’s too thick?

Add small amounts of apple cider or cider vinegar gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

→ Is the dressing very sweet?

The blend balances honey’s sweetness with salt, mustard, and vinegar, creating a well-rounded flavor that can be adjusted.

→ What pairs well with this dressing?

It complements bitter greens, grain salads, roasted squash, fresh goat cheese, and festive dishes garnished with pecans or cranberry compote.