Pear Gorgonzola Salad

This refreshing Pear Gorgonzola Salad is a sophisticated yet simple dish that combines sweet, juicy pears with the bold, tangy bite of Gorgonzola cheese. Featuring crisp mixed greens, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a homemade honey-balsamic vinaigrette, it is the perfect choice for an elegant starter or a light, nutritious meal.

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Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a vibrant lunch, this salad brings together high-quality ingredients for a restaurant-style experience at home. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the crunch of toasted walnuts creates a delightful texture in every bite.

Ingredients

• Salad:
• 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
• Dressing:
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 2

In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens lightly with half of the dressing.

Step 3

Arrange the pear slices, Gorgonzola crumbles, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries over the greens.

Step 4

Drizzle with the remaining dressing just before serving.

Step 5

Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this salad efficiently, ensure you have a large salad bowl, a small bowl for whisking the dressing, and a sharp knife for slicing the pears. This recipe contains dairy (Gorgonzola) and tree nuts (walnuts), so please check all ingredient labels for potential gluten or nut traces if food allergies are a concern.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting Gorgonzola with Roquefort or blue cheese. For extra protein, add grilled chicken, or use pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. To make the dish vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based blue cheese alternative.

Serviervorschläge

This recipe serves 4 and is best enjoyed as a fresh starter or a light main course. For the best texture and flavor, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

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With its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile, this Pear Gorgonzola Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the fresh, wholesome ingredients and the simple joy of a perfectly balanced salad.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and toast the walnuts up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and pears from browning.

→ What other cheeses work well with pears?

Blue cheese, Roquefort, goat cheese, or feta make excellent alternatives to Gorgonzola. Each brings its own character while complementing the sweet pears beautifully.

→ How do I prevent pears from turning brown?

Toss sliced pears in a mixture of lemon juice and water immediately after cutting. You can also slice them just before assembling the salad for best results.

→ Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even hard-boiled eggs work wonderfully. The sweet and tangy flavors pair perfectly with most proteins.

→ What's the best way to toast walnuts?

Spread walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking occasionally. Alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.