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Overhead view of pear salad with blue cheese

Pear Salad with Blue Cheese — A Perfect Sweet‑Savory Harmony

  • Author: Cindy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 5–6 servings
  • Category: Seasonal and Holiday Salads
  • Method: Tossed
  • Cuisine: Western

Description

  • Pear Salad with blue cheese blends sweetness, crunch, and creaminess—perfect for holiday sides or elegant starters

Ingredients

    • 2 ripe pears (or sweet apples), halved, cored, and thinly sliced

    • ¾ cup walnuts (or almonds/pecans), whole or halved

    • 4 oz arugula (rocket) lettuce

    • 4 oz creamy blue cheese, crumbled (such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton)

Honey Mustard Dressing:

    • 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard

    • 1½ tablespoons honey

    • 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

    • 1½ tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  • Prepare the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well until smooth.

  • Toast the Nuts: Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (180°C) for about 8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then leave some whole and break others in half.

  • Slice the Pears: Cut the pears into thin slices about ⅛ inch thick. If not using immediately, drizzle lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.

  • Toss the Greens: In a large bowl, gently toss arugula with about 2 tablespoons of the dressing.

  • Assemble the Salad: On a large platter, layer one-third of the arugula, pears, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Repeat two more times for a total of three layers.

  • Finish with Dressing: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top just before serving.