Description
A refreshing Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad made with tender caramelized pears, tangy blue cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy toasted nuts. This elegant salad is perfect for holidays, lunch, or a light dinner. Keywords: caramelized pear salad, blue cheese salad, pear arugula salad, gourmet salad recipe, fall salad ideas.
Ingredients
2 firm ripe pears
4 cups arugula
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
⅓ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for vinaigrette)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Slice pears into wedges and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add pears and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. In a large salad bowl or platter, place arugula as the base.
5. Top with caramelized pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted nuts.
6. Drizzle vinaigrette over the top and toss gently or leave layered for presentation.
7. Serve immediately while the pears are slightly warm.
Notes
Let the pears cool for a minute or two before adding to greens to prevent wilting.
Use a quality blue cheese for the best flavor — gorgonzola or Roquefort work well.
Toast your nuts in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg