Irresistible Pear and Gorgonzola Salad Recipe with Candied Walnuts
A flavorful and elegant salad featuring sweet pears, creamy Gorgonzola, crunchy candied walnuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, spring mix)
- 2 ripe pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc), thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add walnuts and granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts evenly (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice pears into thin wedges using a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pear slices, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Add the cooled candied walnuts.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently using tongs to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Plate the salad and garnish with extra candied walnuts and a sprinkle of Gorgonzola cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Keep a close eye on the pan when candying the walnuts to prevent burning.’, ‘Taste the vinaigrette and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your preference.’, ‘Chill sliced pears for 20 minutes before assembling the salad for extra freshness.’, ‘Dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: pear salad, Gorgonzola salad, candied walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy salad, quick salad recipe