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Sweet & Savory Pear Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp pears, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese tossed in a sweet and savory balsamic vinaigrette.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens arugula, spinach, or romaine
  • 2 ripe pears cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 red onion small, thinly sliced
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Skillet
  • Large salad bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  2. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then remove and set aside to cool.
  3. Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly and place them in a large salad bowl.
  4. Core and thinly slice the pears, then add them to the greens along with the sliced red onion and dried cranberries.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese over the top.
  7. Season with additional pepper if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use just-ripe pears for the best texture. Store dressing and salad components separately; the dressed salad does not store well.