Pear Blue Cheese Salad (Printable Recipe)
Elegant salad with pears, blue cheese, greens, and lemon-Dijon dressing
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Salad
01 -
6 cups mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix
02 -
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
03 -
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola
04 -
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
05 -
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
→ Vinaigrette
06 -
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
07 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 -
1 teaspoon honey
09 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 -
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth emulsion.
02 -
Wash and thoroughly dry the greens. Arrange them in a large salad bowl. Core and thinly slice the pears just before using, keeping the skins on.
03 -
Fan the pear slices over the greens. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries evenly over the top.
04 -
Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss using clean hands or salad tongs, taking care not to crush the ingredients.
05 -
Transfer to plates or serve directly from the bowl. Garnish with reserved blue cheese and nuts for presentation.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Always slice pears at the last minute to prevent browning and preserve texture.
02 -
Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and aroma, making a noticeable difference in taste.
03 -
Emulsify vinaigrette well to evenly coat ingredients and prevent separation.