Pear Salad with Blue Cheese
This fresh pear salad combines sweet pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy nuts in a tangy vinaigrette, perfect as a light lunch or elegant side dish.
Equipment
- 1 bowl for assembling the salad
- 1 whisk for mixing 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 pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, sliced pears, red onion if using, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or grapes.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss the salad to coat ingredients without breaking the pears or cheese.
- Serve immediately while fresh and crisp.
Notes
- Use Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears that are ripe but firm.
- Swap blue cheese with Gorgonzola or Roquefort for variation.
- Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on pears to retain brightness.
- Prepare dressing ahead but assemble salad just before serving.