You can use pretty much any type of pear for pear salad, as long as it is ripe but still firm.  Avoid soft pears because they can get mushy or fall apart when tossed with the dressing.  Some favorite pear varieties include Anjou, Bosc and Bartlett.   Here is how they compare: Anjou pears: are firm and mild-flavored with a thicker skin Bartlett pears: are flavorful and juicy Bosc pears: are crisp and sweet