Apples and pumpkins get a lot of love in the autumn months, but pears are another late-season fruit that deserve to be in the spotlight, too.
Pears are packed with antioxidants and fiber—and they have a pretty complex range of flavors, depending upon the variety. While many pear types are sweet, some are tangy or even spicy.
They can certainly be enjoyed on their own. However, pears can also make a delicious ingredient in a variety of dishes. Here are eight healthy pear recipes you ought to try.
1. Sheet Pan Potatoes and Pears
Potatoes and pears together might sound like an odd combination. However, sliced ripe pears add just the right amount of sweetness to classically savory roasted potatoes.
As far as prep and cleanup, this Sheet Pan Potatoes and Pears recipe is about as easy as it gets. Simply toss everything on a sheet pan and roast for an hour. Then, you’ve got a healthy side dish and just one pan to clean up.
Get the Sheet Pan Potatoes and Pears recipe.
2. Roasted Pear Porridge
When roasted, sweet pears become tender and slightly caramelized, adding new flavor. In this Roasted Pear Porridge recipe, you’ll roast a pear while whipping up some simple porridge using rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk, water, vanilla and cinnamon.
Then, slice the baked pears on top and sprinkle with hazelnuts. It’s the perfect warm breakfast for a chilly fall morning. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra decadence.
Get the Roasted Pear Porridge recipe.
3. Pear Gorgonzola Dressing
Looking for a new salad dressing to shake things up? Our Pear Gorgonzola Dressing recipe combines simple but flavorful ingredients like Greek yogurt, gorgonzola blue cheese, garlic and, of course, pears.
You’ll love it on your next leafy green salad. Be sure to toss in some other fall-inspired ingredients like sweet potatoes, pecans, apples and pears. The flavor combination is out of this world.
Get the Pear Gorgonzola Dressing recipe.
4. Pomegranate Arugula Salad
As you look for inspiration for some heartier fall salads, you’ll definitely want to give this Pomegranate Arugula Salad recipe a spin. It’s sweet, savory and super satisfying.
It features arugula with goat cheese crumbles, pomegranate seeds and a sliced Bartlett pear—and it’s dressed with a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette sweetened by pomegranate juice and maple syrup. It’s a filling salad that is sure to please.
Get the Pomegranate Arugula Salad recipe.
5. Pear Ginger Squares
Pears also make the perfect ingredient for a sweet yet healthy treat. This particular pear recipe will taste like an indulgence while keeping your healthy eating plans on track throughout the fall season.
That’s because these Pear Ginger Squares are filled with diet-friendly ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, unsweetened apple sauce, ginger, and a chopped Bosc pear—among other delicious ingredients. The baked pear recipe yields a dozen squares so that you can share them with friends and family.
Get the Pear Ginger Squares recipe.
6. Pear Passion Fruit Smoothie
Pears can also make a great smoothie ingredient as they add just the right amount of sweetness to some of your favorite drinks, shakes and smoothies. In this Pear Passion Fruit Smoothie recipe, pears and passion fruit come together for a tropical beverage that is filled with flavor.
It may be fall, but this smoothie can summon some serious summer vibes. If you’re looking to add more protein to your weight loss plan, consider adding some Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix to the blender. Either way, it’s a delicious, gluten free treat that’s great for breakfast or a mid-day boost.
Get the Pear Passion Fruit Smoothie recipe.
7. Healthy Honey Poached Pear Recipe
Fall is the time for warm, cozy comfort foods. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or nutrition! This Honey Poached Pear recipe is not only healthy and delicious, but also simple to make.
Spiced with cinnamon and served over creamy Greek yogurt, these soft and tender poached pears are perfect for the season. It’s a flavorful twist on a classic dessert.
Serve these poached pears with whipped cream or ice cream instead of yogurt to make this treat extra special. You could even swap the honey with a sugar-free caramel sauce if you’re craving more sweetness with less calories.
Get the Honey Poached Pear recipe.
8. Green Goddess Pear and Spinach Smoothie
If you’re looking for a refreshing and nourishing snack or meal, look no further than this Green Goddess Smoothie recipe. This healthy smoothie drink is packed with antioxidant-rich greens like spinach, as well as pears, ginger, lemon juice, and honey for some natural sweetness.
To make this drink even more nutrient-dense, we like to add a generous serving of chia seeds to give it an extra boost of fiber. Simply toss all the ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy. It’s a great breakfast option, but also works well as a dessert or midday snack.
Get the Green Goddess Smoothie recipe.
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