Description
This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The autumn pears offer a mild sweetness that complements the sharp, creamy Gorgonzola cheese. The candied walnuts add a crunchy, caramelized touch that gives the salad a delightful texture. With a light Maple Dijon vinaigrette tying all the flavors together, this salad is not only pleasing to the taste buds but visually appealing as well. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple yet elegant dish for your family, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach)
2 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola (or blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta if preferred)
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup candied walnuts (recipe below)
Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for color
🍯 Candied Walnuts:
1 cup walnut halves
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt
Optional: tiny pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
Whisk together all ingredients until emulsified and slightly thickened. Adjust to taste — add more vinegar for tang or maple syrup for sweetness.
👩🍳 To Assemble:
Place greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
Arrange pear slices, red onion, and Gorgonzola over the greens.
Sprinkle with candied walnuts (and cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using).
Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Notes
For extra flavor and crunch, drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze or honey before serving. You can also swap the candied walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds, and add thinly sliced red onions or dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy twist. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
Keywords: Autumn salad with pears and Gorgonzola, fall pear and cheese salad, Gorgonzola pear salad, candied walnut salad