By Lisa Esile, MS,
Sweet, juicy, and often overlooked, pears are a quiet superstar of the fruit world. While they’re at their peak in fall, many varieties are available much of the year. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, a medium pear also delivers 6 grams of fiber—about the same as 10 prunes—making these humble fruits true nutritional powerhouses. Get inspired with these delicious plant-based pear recipes, from fresh salads and fruit pies to sauces, chutneys, cozy baked treats, and more. Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving-worthy plate or just a fresh way to use the bag of pears in your fridge, you’ll find it here.
For more pear know-how, see Types of Pears and How to Store and Cook Them.
Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets
This reader-favorite salad features air-fried beets, juicy pears, and hearty farro tucked into one satisfying dish. The orange-walnut vinaigrette enhances the pears’ natural sweetness and adds taste bud–tingling citrusy notes to every forkful.
“Amazing! Filling and tasty with flavor combinations that are superb!” —Mona
“Amazing! Filling and tasty with flavor combinations that are superb!” —Mona
Pear Spice Cake
Always popular, this warmly spiced pear cake is topped with tender pear slices and crunchy pecans. Sweetened with molasses and maple syrup and kept moist with applesauce instead of oil, it’s elegant enough for a centerpiece yet easy enough for a weeknight dessert.
“I’ve made this cake many times. I’m about to make it again for Christmas tomorrow.” —Cindy
“I’ve made this cake many times. I’m about to make it again for Christmas tomorrow.” —Cindy
Chopped Barley Salad with Pears
This bright chopped salad brings together two high-fiber superstars: sweet pears and hearty barley. Crisp veggies and tart dried cherries add freshness and zing, while a light pear vinaigrette—blended from the remaining fruit—gives it a fruity finish. (For a gluten-free twist, swap in quinoa or brown rice for the barley.)
“Yummy!” —Cathy
“Yummy!” —Cathy
Blueberry Tartlets
For these charming blueberry tartlets, pears are blended with vanilla, cashews, and a little maple syrup to create a silky, perfectly sweet filling. Spoon it into wholesome oat-cashew crusts, chill for a few hours, and then top them off with a jewel-toned, lavender-blueberry compote for a picture-perfect dessert that’s as wholesome as it is elegant.
“I have made this several times for different parties. People have really enjoyed them! I think they are super good.”
“I have made this several times for different parties. People have really enjoyed them! I think they are super good.”
Chocolate Lover’s Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Pears
Love chocolate but want to keep it healthy? These chocolate quinoa bowls deliver rich cocoa flavor balanced by sweet, juicy pears. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup, they’re satisfying warm with plant-based milk for breakfast or chilled as a dessert-like treat.
“As always, I am amazed by the simplicity and yet deliciousness of this recipe.” —Miruna
“As always, I am amazed by the simplicity and yet deliciousness of this recipe.” —Miruna
Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin
This creamy vegan gratin layers sweet potato, onion, and pear in a luscious cashew “cheese” sauce. Fresh sage adds a herby note that complements the natural sweetness, making this dish perfect for holiday tables or cozy winter nights
“The perfect Thanksgiving buffet contribution!” —DC
“The perfect Thanksgiving buffet contribution!” —DC
Cranberry-Pear Relish
Tart cranberries meet sweet pears in a bright, tangy relish that brings festive zing to every bite. Fresh citrus and warm spices make it a lively companion to holiday mains—or a vibrant topping for sandwiches the next day.
“Make this-you won't regret it! I suggest a little extra fresh ginger, and it really does taste better on day 2!” —Brooke
“Make this-you won't regret it! I suggest a little extra fresh ginger, and it really does taste better on day 2!” —Brooke
Maple-Ginger Spiced Pear Crisp with Oats
This cozy pear crisp is the ultimate fall and winter dessert. Ginger- and cinnamon-infused baked pears turn irresistibly tender under a golden oat–pecan topping, creating a warm, comforting treat. Be sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor.
Garlic Squash Steaks with Herbed Pear-Potato Mash
In this gourmet plant-based steak dinner, butternut squash steaks pair with roasted garlic, creamy herb mashed potatoes, and a balsamic drizzle. The mash itself gets a flavor boost from parsnips and pears, which adds a subtle fruit zing that pairs surprisingly well with the potato.
Cranberry-Pear Crumble Pie
Celebrate autumn with this stunning pear–cranberry pie. A spiced maple–pear filling meets a nutty oat-and-walnut crumble crust, while tart cranberries add a festive pop of flavor and tang. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall gathering.
“This pie was delicious! And, it was easy to make! My husband called it a keeper and suggested we bring it to Thanksgiving dinner.” —Deb
“This pie was delicious! And, it was easy to make! My husband called it a keeper and suggested we bring it to Thanksgiving dinner.” —Deb
Cranberry-Kumquat Chutney
This chunky cranberry chutney gets a citrusy upgrade from kumquats, while pears and golden raisins add natural sweetness. Spiced with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, cloves, and allspice, it has a sweet yet complex flavor. Serve as a condiment for holiday meals or with whole wheat crackers.
Mixed Fruit Soup
Inspired by Chef Darshana Thacker’s childhood Diwali traditions, this chilled fruit soup is a refreshing celebration in a bowl. A lightly spiced plant-milk base is filled with a rainbow of fruits—pears, apples, grapes, berries, and more—for a naturally sweet, nourishing treat.
“So good! Varied it a bit with fruit selection, and I used date paste for the sweetener. Will be a staple in my menu for sure!” —Teresa
“So good! Varied it a bit with fruit selection, and I used date paste for the sweetener. Will be a staple in my menu for sure!” —Teresa
Gingerbread Loaf with Poached Pears
This festive gingerbread loaf has a stunning surprise baked inside: whole pears poached in cider and spices. Nestled upright in the batter, the pears bake right into the loaf, creating a gorgeous centerpiece dessert. Slice to reveal the tender, golden fruit, and serve with Aquafaba Whipped Cream and a dusting of cinnamon for holiday magic.
Sweet Potato, Pear, and Blueberry Flatbreads
You’ll be amazed at how easily these fruity flatbreads come together. Start with a base of Homemade Oil-Free Pizza Dough, then pile on sweet potato mash, grilled pear slices, juicy blueberries, and toasted walnuts for a flavor-packed meal. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
“Delicious!” —Terrie
“Delicious!” —Terrie
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
This fall-flavored salsa combines crisp apples and pears with juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet dates, and a splash of orange. Cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne add a cozy kick. Serve with crunchy baked tortilla chips—perfect for parties, movie night, or anytime snacking.
“Yum! This embodies autumn perfectly.” C. Turner
“Yum! This embodies autumn perfectly.” C. Turner
One-Pot Squash and Brussels Sprouts Panzanella with Dried Cherries
This cozy panzanella from Dawn Hutchins is perfect for cooler weather and brings together tender squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet pear with toasted bread cubes, walnuts, and dried cherries. Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon brighten the flavors, making for an appealing combination of hearty and fresh.
“This is so yummy! … I'm making it as a Thanksgiving side, and it will remain in my holiday meal rotation.” —Cynthia
“This is so yummy! … I'm making it as a Thanksgiving side, and it will remain in my holiday meal rotation.” —Cynthia
No-Bake Cranberry Pear Tart
This decadent tart starts with a rustic crust of walnuts, dates, and cinnamon, pressed together—no oven needed! The filling of spiced pears and cranberries is gently cooked until tender, then spooned into the crust for a naturally sweet, celebration-worthy dessert.
“Very delicious and so easy to make. I have made this so many times, and it is so good! I use whatever I have - pears or apples - and both are great.”
“Very delicious and so easy to make. I have made this so many times, and it is so good! I use whatever I have - pears or apples - and both are great.”
Rhubarb and Pear Tart
Tangy rhubarb and sweet pear are cooked in orange juice until soft and saucy, making a mouthwatering topping for this pretty fruit tart! Fresh ginger and maple syrup balance the flavors and complement the earthy almond-oat crust. Enjoy on its own or topped with Vanilla Nice Cream or Aquafaba Whipped Cream.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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