Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts Balsamic Vinaigrette
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy something a bit special? This salad using pears is a total game changer. Honestly, the sweet pears and tangy cheese create the perfect flavor explosion.
Brief Overview
This isn't your average side dish. It's a Holiday Pear Salad , fancy enough for a dinner party. This beauty is super easy to throw together, takes about 30 minutes tops, and serves four.
Main Benefits
It's packed with nutrients. The pears give you fibre and vitamins. This Fall Salad For Thanksgiving or any special occasion and will wow your mates. It's seriously delish.
Want something a bit different for your next dinner party? I'm always on the lookout for something that is easy but still impress me and my friends, and this is my jam!
This Pear Salad with balsamic vinaigrette is just the ticket.
The walnuts add a lovely crunch, and the balsamic just ties it all together. I bet you're starting to crave it already, am I right?!
It's great as a light lunch. The salad is a sophisticated starter. If you feel like it is missing something, you can add grilled chicken or salmon to make it a complete meal.
Honestly, this is one of those Easy Pear Salad Recipe that is bound to impress.
Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this gorgonzola pear walnut salad recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. I mean, who doesn't love a good salad using pears ?
Main Ingredients: All Sorted
- Mixed Salad Greens: 6 oz (170g) . Go for a spring mix or baby spinach. Make sure it looks vibrant and fresh. Nobody wants sad, wilted leaves.
- Ripe Pears: 2 medium ones, like Anjou or Bosc. Core them and slice them thinly. Aim for about 300g total. They should be firm, not mushy.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: 4 oz (115g) , crumbled. The quality makes a big difference here. Get a decent one; it's the star of the show!
- Candied Walnuts: ½ cup (60g) . We'll make these from scratch because shop bought ones can be a bit pants.
- Dried Cranberries/Cherries (Optional): ¼ cup (40g) . For that extra festive touch, especially if you're making this as one of your fall salads for Thanksgiving .
Seasoning Notes: A Right Ol' Flavor Bomb
For the candied walnuts, we're talking maple syrup or honey for sweetness. A pinch of sea salt. Don't skip the salt! It balances everything out.
The vinaigrette needs good olive oil, balsamic vinegar (the posh stuff if you've got it), Dijon mustard, and a clove of minced garlic.
A touch of honey or maple syrup rounds it off. Salt and pepper, naturally. If you're out of balsamic, a squeeze of lemon can work in a pinch.
This pear salad with balsamic vinaigrette is the best.
Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Fancy
- Small saucepan (for those amazing candied walnuts).
- Large bowl for tossing everything together.
- Whisk for the dressing.
- Cutting board and sharp knife (obviously).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. Honestly, don't sweat it too much! You can even use store-bought candied walnuts to make it an easy pear salad recipe .
This would also be great as a salad for a dinner party .
I think this recipe is a right banger! Give it a try and let me know what you think. If your looking for a thanksgiving pear salad this is a solid recipe.
Cooking Method: Crafting the Perfect Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
Alright, gather 'round, my friends! Today, we're not just cooking; we're crafting an experience. A salad using pears that's gonna knock your socks off.
It's the Pear & Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts & Balsamic Vinaigrette . Honestly, it's easier than fitting into your skinny jeans after Christmas dinner.
Think sophisticated simplicity. Let's get started!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: mise en place . It's French for "everything in its place." And trust me, it'll save your sanity.
Get your 6 oz mixed greens washed and ready. Slice those 2 pears . Crumble that 4 oz Gorgonzola . Measure out all your vinaigrette ingredients.
For the candied walnuts, have everything set out. This isn't brain surgery, but organization is key! You know? Just like getting your ducks in a row before a Sunday roast.
step-by-step Process: Salad Assembly Simplified
- Candied Walnuts: Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Add ½ cup walnuts . Cook for 5- 7 minutes until coated. Spread to cool.
- Vinaigrette Time: Whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , minced garlic, ½ teaspoon honey , salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Fall Salad For Thanksgiving: Toss mixed greens , sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola, ½ cup candied walnuts , and optional dried cranberries.
- Dress the Salad For A Dinner Party: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Don't drown it. Trust me on this one.
- Serve Immediately: This isn't a make-ahead deal, or it'll be soggy. You'll have a Thanksgiving Pear Salad your guest won't stop yapping about.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Salad Game
- Pear Pickin' Perfection: Use firm, not mushy, pears. Seriously, this is crucial.
- Gorgonzola Judgement: Adjust cheese to your taste. Some like a lot, some like a little. It's your Gorgonzola pear walnut salad recipe, doll!
- Walnut Prep Win: Make candied walnuts ahead. Store in airtight container. Easy peasy .
Making this Easy pear salad recipe is a win, especially during the Fall Salads For Thanksgiving season when you need a Holiday Pear Salad that is both beautiful and tasty! It is better than any salad that you'll find elsewhere!.
You can sub the blue cheese to make a Pear and blue cheese salad that you like. And it is a pretty decent Autumn pear salad as well
So there you have it! A pear salad with balsamic vinaigrette that's both delicious and easy. It's like a little taste of Italy meets the English countryside. Cheers to that!
Recipe Notes: Let's Noodle On This, Shall We?
Right then, before you dive headfirst into this glorious pear salad , let's have a quick chinwag about some bits and bobs.
This autumn pear salad is surprisingly flexible, so don't be afraid to muck about and make it your own. I mean, honestly, who doesn't love a bit of culinary improv?
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Alright, let's talk presentation. This Gorgonzola pear walnut salad recipe looks pretty as a picture, but you can always zhuzh it up a bit.
Arrange the pears in a fancy circle. Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving. Remember, we want Fall Salads For Thanksgiving to be pretty.
As for what to serve with it, this Thanksgiving pear salad loves a bit of grilled chicken or even some roasted butternut squash.
A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio is always a winner too! The flavors complement the salad perfectly.
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Shenanigans
Listen up, because nobody wants soggy salad. If you're making this salad for a dinner party ahead of time, don't dress it until right before you serve it.
The dressing can sit a bit. Keep the dressing in a container.
The dressed salad is best eaten straight away. If you must store leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours .
Be warned though, the greens might get a bit sad. I tried to save a bit of Holiday Pear Salad once, and I was not happy to say the least! Freezing? Forget about it!
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Galore
Fancy a tweak? You got it!
- Vegan Vibes: Ditch the Gorgonzola (boo, I know!) and find a vegan cheese or just add some extra nuts for texture. Check out other Easy Pear Salad Recipe .
- Seasonal Swaps: Don't have pears? No sweat! Apples work a treat, especially in these Fall Salads For Thanksgiving .
Nutrition Nutshell: Goodness in Every Bite
This Pear salad with balsamic vinaigrette isn't just tasty, it's pretty good for you too! Think of pears with fiber, Gorgonzola with calcium, and walnuts with healthy fats.
So, dig in and enjoy!
Honestly, give this pear salad a go. It's far easier than you think, and the taste is absolutely divine. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad using pears ahead of time?
While the candied walnuts can be prepped well in advance, it's best to assemble the salad right before serving. This prevents the greens from getting soggy from the dressing and keeps the pears from browning. Nobody wants a droopy salad that looks like it's seen better days!
If you need to prep ahead, you can slice the pears and toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and keep the vinaigrette separate until serving.
I'm not a fan of Gorgonzola. What else can I use in this pear salad?
No worries, old bean, we can sort that! If Gorgonzola isn't your cup of tea, crumbled goat cheese is a fantastic alternative. It offers a similar tang but with a milder flavor profile. Feta also works surprisingly well, adding a salty, briny kick.
Alternatively, you could even try a creamy brie for a richer, more luxurious salad.
How do I store leftover pear salad?
Salad using pears is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the greens may wilt slightly and the pears might soften a bit. Try to eat it within a day or two for the best taste and texture. No one wants a salad that's lost its oomph!
Can I make the candied walnuts without maple syrup or honey?
You can certainly adapt the candied walnuts! Agave nectar or even brown sugar can be used as substitutes for maple syrup or honey. Brown sugar will give them a more caramelized flavor. Be sure to watch them closely while they cook, as different sweeteners may caramelize at different rates.
The key is to achieve that lovely, crunchy coating without burning them nobody likes charcoal walnuts!
What are some good pear varieties to use for this salad using pears?
For this salad, you want pears that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape. Anjou pears are a classic choice, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Bosc pears are another excellent option, known for their crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
Comice pears are also suitable, but they tend to be softer, so handle them with care.
Is this Pear & Gorgonzola Salad recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This salad can be a part of a balanced diet, but it's good to be mindful of the ingredients. The pears provide fiber and vitamins, while the walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. Gorgonzola cheese adds calcium, but it's also high in fat and sodium, so use it in moderation.
The balsamic vinaigrette contributes healthy fats from olive oil, but watch the added sugar content from the honey or maple syrup. You can adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your dietary needs perhaps a lighter hand with the cheese and dressing.
Pear Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Walnuts Balsa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
