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Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Cranberries and Candied Nuts Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pear Gorgonzola Salad is a vibrant and refreshing blend of crisp spring mix greens, ripe Bartlett pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed in a homemade honey-lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad balances sweet, salty, and tart flavors seamlessly in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad

  • 6 ounces spring mix
  • 1 to 2 ripe Bartlett pears
  • ¼ cup Gorgonzola crumbles
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup candied walnuts or pecans (or any nuts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In an 8-ounce or larger jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk or stir thoroughly to ensure the honey is fully incorporated and does not settle at the bottom. Secure the lid and set the jar aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Assemble the Salad Base: Place the spring mix greens into a large serving bowl. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the four sides of each Bartlett pear away from the core, discarding the center with the stem and seeds. Thinly slice the pear and fan the slices artistically over the greens. Use 1 or 2 pears depending on how much fruit is desired per serving; note that ripe Bartlett pears will have a yellow hue rather than green.
  3. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the Gorgonzola crumbles, dried cranberries, and candied walnuts or pecans evenly over the salad. This combination adds creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures to each bite.
  4. Dress and Toss: Shake the dressing jar vigorously with the lid on to ensure it is well mixed. Remove the lid and drizzle the dressing generously over the salad. Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients and coat everything evenly. Serve immediately with any extra dressing on the side for added flavor.
  5. Storage: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using again.

Notes

  • Choose ripe Bartlett pears that are slightly soft and yellow for optimal sweetness and texture.
  • Candied walnuts or pecans can be substituted with toasted nuts if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Make sure to whisk the dressing well to fully combine the honey with the other ingredients.
  • Leftover dressing can enhance other salads or be used as a marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken.
  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and pears.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/pear-gorgonzola-salad-with-cranberries-and-candied-nuts-recipe/