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Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian · Gluten Free

Description

Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is an elegant yet easy-to-make salad that combines warm, tender pears caramelized in butter and brown sugar or honey with bold blue cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and fresh mixed greens. Finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it perfect for fall dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a sophisticated restaurant-quality side dish at home.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 ripe pears, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens or arugula
  • ½ cup blue cheese or gorgonzola, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

Vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Pears: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pear slices and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar or honey. Cook the pears for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and tender. Remove the caramelized pears from the heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
  3. Assemble Salad: Arrange the mixed greens or arugula evenly on a large platter or in a salad bowl to create a fresh bed for the toppings.
  4. Top Salad: Layer the warm caramelized pears over the greens, then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries if using for added texture and flavor contrast.
  5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the assembled salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp while enhancing all the flavors together.

Notes

  • Use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou as they caramelize best without turning mushy.
  • Goat cheese can be substituted for blue cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Add grilled chicken or steak to transform this salad into a hearty main dish.
  • Serve immediately while the pears are still warm for the best taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad · Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American · French-Inspired

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/caramelized-pear-and-blue-cheese-salad-recipe/