Pear Blue Cheese Salad
A refreshing salad combining ripe pears, creamy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and mixed greens with a tangy homemade vinaigrette, perfect for a light, sophisticated starter or side dish.
Equipment
- 1 small bowl for whisking dressing
- 1 large serving bowl for assembling salad
- 1 whisk to emulsify dressing
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm pears thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or sliced red grapes optional
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Place mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
- Arrange sliced pears, red onion (if using), toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or grapes on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients without breaking up pears or cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy fresh and crisp textures.
Notes
- Use Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears that are ripe but firm for best texture.
- Swap blue cheese with Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on pears to prevent browning and brighten flavors.
- Prepare dressing in advance but assemble salad just before serving for freshness.