Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

By MyDishRecipes

Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted nuts over crisp greens make this pear and blue cheese salad elegant and easy.

Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted nuts over crisp greens make this pear and blue cheese salad elegant and easy.

Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted nuts over crisp greens make this pear and blue cheese salad elegant and easy.

This refreshing salad features sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted nuts over a bed of mixed greens, all drizzled with a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette. It is a delightful addition to any meal.

Below you will find everything you need to make Pear and Blue Cheese Salad at home, from the full ingredient list to simple step by step instructions.

Why You Will Love It

• This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals from the mixed greens and pears.
• The walnuts or pecans add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
• The combination of flavors makes this a delightful and elegant dish for any occasion.

The Little Things That Make It Great

Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and toasted nuts over crisp greens make this pear and blue cheese salad elegant and easy.

It comes together with everyday ingredients and clear, doable steps, so it is easy to get a great result whether you cook often or are just getting started.

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Serves: 4 servings | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Total: 15 minutes

Want to scale the batch or print a clean copy? Adjust the servings on the recipe card or use the one click print on the full recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 cup mixed greens if desired
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese if desired
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, or pecans
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries if desired
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl for 2 minutes until completely smooth.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette looks creamy and fully emulsified, about 1 minute more.
3. Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
4. Arrange mixed greens on a platter, then layer thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries on top.
5. Drizzle the emulsified vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently for 30 seconds to coat every leaf evenly.

A Few Tips for the Best Result

• Read through the full recipe once before you begin so the steps flow smoothly.
• Measure and prep all of your ingredients first for an easy, stress free cook.
• Dress the salad just before serving so it stays crisp and fresh.
• Taste the dressing first and adjust the balance of tangy and sweet to your liking.
• Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the freshest taste.

Make It Your Own

• Add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
• Toss in extra crunch with nuts, seeds, or croutons.
• Swap the greens or add fresh herbs for a different flavor.
• Adjust the dressing to be more tangy, sweet, or garlicky to taste.
• Add fruit or cheese for a little something extra.

Storing and Make Ahead

Store leftover Pear and Blue Cheese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps for a day or two. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve if you can. Give it a gentle toss before serving to freshen it up.

A Few Quick Questions

Can I make Pear and Blue Cheese Salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat or finish it when you are ready to serve. It is a great option for busy days and easy entertaining.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently until warmed through, or enjoy chilled if that suits the dish. See the storing notes above for more detail.

Can I adjust the number of servings?

Absolutely. Use the recipe card to scale the ingredients up or down, and the amounts will adjust for you. It makes it easy to cook for a crowd or just a few.

What should I serve with it?

It pairs well with simple sides like rice, pasta, bread, or a fresh salad. Choose whatever rounds out the meal for your table.

One Last Thing

Give Pear and Blue Cheese Salad a try, and enjoy every bite. If you make it, we hope it becomes a new favorite at your table.

Originally published at https://www.mydishrecipes.com/pear-and-blue-cheese-salad/