estive pear chestnut prosciutto salad with lightly sautéed pears, crumbled chestnuts, pomegranate arils, and arugula in a red-rimmed bowl, with Daisy the cat in the background and subtle holiday decor.

This pear chestnut prosciutto salad brings together lightly sautéed pears, savoury prosciutto, earthy chestnuts, and bursts of fresh pomegranate for a balanced, festive salad that feels right at home on a Christmas table. Elegant yet simple, it works beautifully as a starter or a lighter side alongside richer holiday mains.

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Pear chestnut prosciutto salad with sautéed pears, chestnuts, arugula, and pomegranate arils, styled in a festive bowl for a holiday recipe card.

Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well!

As the holiday table starts to come together, I always like to include something fresh to balance out the richer dishes. A simple salad with a few thoughtful touches can do exactly that, and this one hits the sweet spot between light and indulgent. So, let’s dive into this pear chestnut prosciutto salad.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Chestnut Salad with Prosciutto and Pomegranate

Festive and balanced. Sweet pears and pomegranate offset savoury prosciutto and chestnuts beautifully.
Light but satisfying. Ideal alongside rich holiday mains.
Quick to assemble. Minimal cooking with maximum flavour payoff.
Visually striking. Perfect for Christmas entertaining.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This salad is gently sweet, lightly savoury, and fresh. The pears remain tender but not caramelized, chestnuts add softness, and pomegranate provides bright bursts of acidity. Prosciutto ties everything together with a salty finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

Pears. Lightly sautéed rather than caramelized, they soften gently in butter and honey while keeping their fresh flavour and shape.
Cooked chestnuts. Crumbled for gentle sweetness and a soft, earthy texture that ties the salad together. I used roasted and peeled vacuum-packed chestnuts.
Prosciutto. Thinly sliced for savoury depth and a delicate salty finish.
Pomegranate arils. Fresh, juicy bursts of acidity and colour that keep the salad bright and festive.
Arugula. A peppery base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit and rich toppings.
Butter. Used for sautéing the pears and adding subtle richness without heaviness. Swap for extra virgin olive oil for a more complex flavour.
Honey. Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the pears without tipping the salad into dessert territory.
Fresh thyme and rosemary. Adds a soft, earthy herbal note while the pears are sautéing.
Salt. A small pinch to balance the sweetness and sharpen the flavours.

Possible Additions and Variations

Blue cheese or feta. A small amount adds extra saltiness and depth, especially if you enjoy a stronger contrast with the sweet pears.
Toasted nuts. Walnuts or pecans work well if you want more crunch alongside the soft chestnuts.
A sharper finish. A few drops of balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar can brighten the salad and add gentle acidity.
Different greens. Baby spinach or mixed greens can replace arugula for a milder base.

How to Make Pear Chestnut Prosciutto Salad

Lightly sauté the pears in butter with honey, salt, and thyme for about five to seven minutes, just until softened. Assemble arugula on a platter, layer with prosciutto, warm pears, crumbled chestnuts, and pomegranate, then finish with a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.

More Festive Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Are you looking for more easy holiday appetizers, like this Pear Chestnut Salad with Prosciutto and Pomegranate? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this festive Pear Chestnut Prosciutto Salad. If you give this holiday salad recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Pear chestnut prosciutto salad with sautéed pears, chestnuts, arugula, and pomegranate arils in a festive bowl, as Daisy the cat leans in to sniff the salad, surrounded by holiday decor.