I am a pear lover.  Always have been apparently.  My grandmother always said that I cut my teeth by gnawing on a hard fall pear.  I guess that’s why I really enjoy this salad and its variations so much.
 
Generally, this is a meal for us.  You can make a heavier meat substitution (such as a chicken breast) if you prefer.  I just happen to like the smokiness that either the ham or bacon adds.  It just seems more like fall to me.
Either way, it’s delicious.
 autumnal salad with pears
 
If you cannot locate Melissa’s brand of precooked beets, ask your grocer to stock them.  (I am not being compensated for this post.)  There are other brands, of course, but I happed to think Melissa’s is the best. 
 
 
My blogger friend Amy of Our Everyday Dinners posted a similar version this week.  Go check out her Autumn Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette.