Pin It My neighbor brought over a basket of pears from her tree last autumn, and I stood in my kitchen wondering what to do with them all. This salad came together on a Thursday afternoon when I was craving something fresh but still comforting. The combination of sweet pears and tangy Gorgonzola felt like discovering a secret hiding in plain sight.
I served this at a dinner party last fall, and my friend Sarah literally stopped midconversation to ask what was in it. The way the walnuts crunch against the creamy cheese and juicy pears creates this perfect little moment on the plate. Now it is my go-to when I want to serve something impressive but do not want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens: I love using arugula for its peppery bite, but spinach or spring mix work beautifully too
- 2 ripe pears: Bosc or Anjou are perfect because they hold their shape when sliced
- 100 g Gorgonzola cheese: This creamy blue cheese brings the tang that cuts through the sweet fruit
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts: Toasting them in a dry pan for three minutes makes all the difference
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Totally optional but they add these little pops of tart sweetness
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: The base of your dressing, so use the good stuff
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and that gorgeous dark color
- 1 tbsp honey: Nature is sweetness that helps balance the sharp cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that makes the dressing cling to every leaf
- Salt and pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is nonnegotiable here
Instructions
- Whisk together your dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Dress the greens:
- Place your mixed greens in a large salad bowl and toss gently with just half the dressing so every leaf gets coated without becoming soggy.
- Arrange the toppings:
- Scatter the pear slices, Gorgonzola crumbles, toasted walnuts, and cranberries over the dressed greens in whatever pattern looks pretty to you.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top right before serving and bring the whole bowl to the table.
Pin It This salad has become my marker for special occasions. The first time I made it for my mother, she asked for the recipe before she even finished her plate. Something about the combination feels celebratory without being fussy.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in blue cheese or Roquefort when I want something even sharper. Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully instead of walnuts if that is what you have in the pantry. The beauty of this salad is how forgiving it is while still feeling elegant.
Pairing Suggestions
This shines alongside grilled chicken or seared salmon for a complete meal. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. I have also served it as a starter before a hearty pasta dinner, and it lightens the whole menu.
Timing Is Everything
The trickiest part is assembling it at the right moment so nothing gets soggy. I prep all my components separately and keep the dressing in a little jar until the last second.
- Toast your nuts ahead of time and store them in a sealed container
- Slice the pears right before you are ready to serve
- Keep a little extra dressing on the side in case anyone wants more
Pin It This salad taught me that simple ingredients, treated with respect, can create something magical.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare ingredients separately and store in the refrigerator. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent wilting.
- → What cheese works best as a Gorgonzola substitute?
Roquefort, Stilton, or any blue cheese provides similar tangy flavor. For a milder taste, try crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- → How do I prevent pears from turning brown?
Toss sliced pears with a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural preservative maintains their fresh appearance for several hours.
- → Can I use different nuts?
Pecans, hazelnuts, or toasted pine nuts work beautifully. Choose nuts that complement rather than overpower the delicate pear and cheese balance.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Keep components separated: store washed greens, sliced pears, cheese, nuts, and dressing in individual containers. Assemble portions throughout the week for fresh servings.
- → How can I add more protein?
Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or candied walnuts transform this into a heartier meal. Crispy pancetta or prosciutto also complement the sweet-savory profile.