Pear Gorgonzola Salad

A refreshing salad combining sweet, juicy pears with tangy Gorgonzola cheese, crisp greens, toasted walnuts, and a honey-balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a starter or a light meal.

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This salad brings together the crispness of spring mix or arugula with the creaminess of Gorgonzola, creating a sophisticated dish that is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette

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

2. Dress the Greens

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

3. Assemble Toppings

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

4. Final Drizzle

Drizzle with the remaining dressing just before serving.

5. Serve

Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For this recipe, you will need a large salad bowl, a small bowl, a whisk, and a knife with a cutting board. Please note that this dish contains dairy (Gorgonzola cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts); always check labels for possible gluten or nut traces if allergies are present.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute Gorgonzola with Roquefort or blue cheese if preferred. For a vegan version, use a plant-based blue cheese and maple syrup instead of honey. Pecan nuts or hazelnuts can be used instead of walnuts for a different crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Add grilled chicken for extra protein to make this a more substantial meal. Each serving provides approximately 270 calories, 19 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrates, and 7 g of protein.

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Enjoy this delightful Pear Gorgonzola Salad as a fresh and vibrant addition to your next meal.

Questions & Answers

→ What type of pears work best?

Firm but ripe pears like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett hold their shape well when sliced. Avoid overripe fruit that becomes mushy.

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components separately in advance. Store washed greens, sliced pears with lemon juice, and dressing individually. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What cheese substitutes work?

Roquefort, Stilton, blue cheese, or even goat cheese make excellent alternatives depending on your preferred intensity level.

→ How do I prevent pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears with a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural antioxidant prevents oxidation while adding brightness.

→ Can I add protein?

Grilled chicken, pan-seared scallops, or candied pecans transform this into a heartier main course. Crispy pancetta or prosciutto also complement the flavors beautifully.

→ What other nuts work?

Pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds provide similar crunch. Toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their natural flavors and improve texture.