A delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a gourmet experience in every bite. Juicy caramelized pears pair perfectly with tangy blue cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze over fresh greens. Whether served as a light lunch, an elegant starter, or a side dish for special occasions, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy nuts create harmony.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cooking.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a side or top with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Gourmet yet simple – Restaurant-quality flavors with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Great for any season – Ideal for fall but delicious year-round!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinaigrette)
Directions
Caramelize the Pears
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the pear slices and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and golden.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
- Top with caramelized pears, crumbled blue cheese, candied nuts, sliced red onion, and dried cranberries.
Dress and Serve
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently before serving, or serve with dressing on the side.
Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash for a heartier meal option!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Variations
- Make it extra crunchy – Add toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Swap the cheese – Use feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Try different fruits – Use caramelized apples or figs instead of pears.
- Add a protein – Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
- Boost the greens – Mix in kale or romaine for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Make-ahead tip: Caramelize the pears in advance and store separately to add fresh when serving.
- Reheating pears: Warm in a skillet for a few minutes before adding to the salad.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Fresh pears caramelize better, but canned pears can be used if drained well.
2. What type of pears work best?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears hold up well when caramelized.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
4. What’s the best dressing for this salad?
Balsamic glaze is ideal, but a balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing also works well.
5. Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes! Goat cheese or feta can be used for a milder taste.
6. Are candied nuts necessary?
No, but they add a great crunch! Toasted nuts without added sugar work too.
7. How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese.
8. What other greens can I use?
Arugula, baby spinach, or mixed spring greens work best.
9. Can I add a grain to this salad?
Yes! Cooked quinoa or farro make it heartier.
10. What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette.
Conclusion
This Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is an elegant and flavorful dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in a perfectly balanced way. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a starter, or a main dish with added protein, it’s a simple yet impressive salad that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a gourmet salad made in just minutes!
Print
Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad combines sweet caramelized pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and balsamic glaze over fresh greens. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, this gourmet salad is quick, easy, and ideal for a light lunch or elegant dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinaigrette)
Instructions
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinaigrette)
Notes
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or roasted butternut squash for a heartier dish.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap candied nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Dressing Alternative: Use a honey mustard vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
