Pear And Walnut Salad Recipe

I absolutely adore this pear and walnut salad because it perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with the juicy pears and tangy blue cheese. Plus, the homemade dressing is a breeze to whip up, making it both healthy and deliciously satisfying for any meal!

This Pear and Walnut Salad is sweet and crunchy. It contains an excellent assembly of ingredients: mixed greens, ripe pears, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.

Each bite is an explosion of deliciousness, made even better by the dried cranberries and red onion. My homemade dressing takes it over the top.

Ingredients

Pears: Provide innate sweetness, plentiful fiber, and an abundance of antioxidants.

Walnut Halves: Deliver nutritious fats, abundant protein, and a texture that complements both sweet and savory dishes.

Blue cheese, crumbled: Contributes creaminess and a sharp flavor, supplies calcium and protein.

Cranberries, When Dried: Provide sugary and chewy elements that are high in antioxidants and fiber to our food.

Olive oil: A fat that is heart-healthy, intensifies flavor, and boasts nutritional advantages.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a tiny basin, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to form the dressing, whisking them together until the mixture is uniform.

2. Put the mixed salad greens in a big bowl for serving salad.

3. Distribute the sliced pears evenly over the greens.

4. Disperse the halves of the walnuts throughout the salad.

5. Crumble the blue cheese and distribute it throughout the salad.

6. In contrast to the soft, pillowy cookies, the dried cranberries add a nice little chew, and they also provide a tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

7. Include the rings of red onion that have been sliced very thinly into the salad.

8. Evenly drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.

9. Lightly mix the salad so that all the components are fully combined and covered in the dressing.

10. Immediately serve and relish the new taste sensations.

Equipment Needed

1. Whisk
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Large salad bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese?If you would rather have a less pungent cheese, substitute goat cheese or feta for the blue cheese.
• Are there alternatives to walnuts for this salad?If you’re searching for nut substitutes, consider pecans or almonds.
• How can I make this salad vegan?Omit the blue cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese, and use agave syrup instead of honey.
• What other dressing can I use besides the balsamic vinaigrette?A vinaigrette made from lemon or raspberry will pair very nicely with the flavors in this salad.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep the salad in a container that you can seal tightly in the fridge; it can last for two days at the most. But for prime texture and flavor, wait until it’s time to serve before you mix in the dressing.
• Can I add any proteins to make this a main dish?This salad would become a fuller meal if it were to include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Substitutions and Variations

2 fully matured pears, sliced: For contrasting flavors, use apples or peaches.
1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted—Pecans or almonds can be used for a parallel crunch.
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese: Use feta cheese or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
1/4 cup dried cranberries: Substitute with raisins or dried cherries for a different option with dried fruit.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a similar tang.

Pro Tips

1. Pear Preparation To prevent the sliced pears from browning, dip them in a mixture of water and lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.

2. Walnut Topping For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of honey to the walnuts before toasting them. The salt enhances their natural flavor, and the honey adds a subtle sweetness and lovely caramelization.

3. Layering Technique To ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients, layer the salad by starting with greens, adding some ingredients, more greens, and topping with remaining ingredients before drizzling the dressing.

4. Onion Soak If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This mellows the sharpness while retaining the flavor.

5. Dressing Consistency Emulsify the dressing well by combining ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shaking vigorously. This ensures the dressing is smooth and thick, coating the salad evenly.