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This pear gorgonzola salad feels fancy for something so easy! Candied nuts, crisp greens, and lemon vinaigrette make it a side everyone wants on their plate.
Craving a salad that gives off “special” occasion vibes?
This pear salad with candied pecans and fresh greens, all tied together with a drizzle of citrus dressing on top, might just be what your boring weekday rotation needs.
I promise this pairing of sweet, juicy pears and crumbled sharp Gorgonzola could win over even the least salad-loving crowd!
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Getting your healthy greens feels less like a chore when they’re in a crunchy salad you actually want to eat. Try our spicy Korean cucumber salad and celery salad to see what we mean!
Why You’ll Love This Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
- This pear salad is served without tossing, so every bite gets a little of everything. No more digging at the bottom of the bowl to get your favorites!
- Perfect for gatherings, this pear Gorgonzola salad looks and tastes impressive for something that takes 15 minutes to make.
- This pear and Gorgonzola salad with candied pecans is flexible enough if you don’t have every ingredient on hand.
Ingredients
Dressing:
Olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard – Can’t make a vinaigrette without this trio. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It makes all the difference!
Lemon juice – To make the pear salad dressing zippy, perfect for adding life to the pear salad!
Sugar – You can use any sweetener to balance the bright and zesty salad dressing. Try this vegan honey!
Sea salt and black pepper – To round out the dressing. Feel free to add other herbs and spices for depth of flavor!
Candied pecans:
Pecans and sugar – You can swap the pecans and make candied walnuts instead.
Salad:
Mixed greens – Use your favorite salad greens! We like the pop of color, so we went with a spring mix with red leaf lettuce. Baby arugula‘s peppery flavor also pairs well with the sweet pears.
Ripe pears – Don’t know how to pick the best pears for your salad? Use your thumb to gently press on the pear’s neck, near the stem. If it’s ripe and ready, it should give slightly. And if pears are no longer in season, canned pears (drained beforehand) will work in a pinch!
Gorgonzola cheese – Sharp and tangy, this blue cheese is just begging to be paired with sweet pears.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Pear Salad
Feta Cheese
Can’t find Gorgonzola? Use feta for your salad’s crumbled cheese. It’s also an ideal alternative for those who prefer a milder cheese in their salads.
Apple Cider Vinegar
For a fruity undertone in your pear Gorgonzola vinaigrette, swap the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
Mix-Ins to Try
This simple crisp pear salad is just the start! Add depth and weight to your salad with goodies like red onion slices, diced avocado, dried cranberries, and crumbled bacon.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Skip the Candied Nuts
No time for candied pecans? Just toast your pecans in a stainless-steel skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Dice the Pears
Thin pear slices look nice, but if you’re in a hurry, just dice up your pears!
Use Another Fruit
Can’t find good pears? Make an apple Gorgonzola salad instead! I suggest sweet apples like Honeycrisp.
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad Recipe FAQs
What is Southern pear salad?
A Southern pear salad is a simple layered dish with a lettuce leaf, half a pear, a dollop of mayo, a maraschino cherry, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. It’s a bit controversial, but there’s a reason people love it.
What goes well with pear and gorgonzola salad?
This pear, pecan, and Gorgonzola salad will pair beautifully with fig jam for sweetness, fresh herbs like dill, and maybe a bit of prosciutto for a salty contrast. Its sweet, fresh flavors also make it the perfect side for grilled chicken or steak.
How to stop pears from going brown in a salad?
After slicing the pears, squeeze some lemon over them to slow browning. Still, I recommend slicing them just before assembling the salad for peak freshness.
What kind of pear is good for salad?
You can use any ripe, juicy pear for your salad, but the sweetness of Bartlett pears makes them the best match for Gorgonzola cheese.
Can you prepare pear & gorgonzola salad in advance?
This pear Gorgonzola salad is best enjoyed right away, as it can get soggy once the dressing is added. However, you can make the dressing up to two days in advance and keep it in a jar in the fridge. The candied pecans can also be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
More Delicious Festive Salads
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Spicy Kani Salad
- Hot Girl Summer Salad
- Snicker Apple Salad
- Strawberry Jello Salad
I found this recipe for Pear & Manchego salad that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Pear Gorgonzola Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens, washed and dried
- 3 medium pears, ripe, washed, and thinly sliced
- 3 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the sugar.
- Once the sugar starts to melt, add the pecans and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until they’re evenly coated.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the candied pecans to a plate lined with parchment paper. Separate them and let them cool completely.
- Arrange the mixed greens on your serving plate, then layer the pear slices on top.
- Sprinkle with Gorgonzola cheese and candied pecans.
- Drizzle generously with the vinaigrette, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- No time for candied pecans? Just toast your pecans in a stainless-steel skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Thin pear slices look nice, but if you’re in a hurry, just dice up your pears!
- Can’t find good pears? Make an apple Gorgonzola salad instead! I suggest sweet apples like Honeycrisp.
PIN FOR LATER!
