Description

Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad brings together sweet golden pears, peppery mixed greens, creamy blue cheese, crunchy candied nuts and tart dried cranberries. Finished with a simple balsamic dressing, this colourful salad is an easy choice for lunch, a light dinner or an elegant side dish.

Ingredients

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Pinch of cinnamon, optional

6 cups mixed greens, such as arugula, spinach or spring mix

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

1/4 cup candied walnuts or pecans

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp honey

Pinch of salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced pears and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until tender and lightly golden.

2. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the pears. Gently toss and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the pears to become glossy and caramelized. Remove from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze or vinaigrette, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, salt and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.

4. Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl or platter. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion and dried cranberries over the greens.

5. Arrange the warm caramelized pear slices over the salad. Sprinkle generously with crumbled blue cheese and candied walnuts or pecans.

6. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together, or leave the ingredients layered for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Choose pears that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape while cooking.

Don’t overcook the pears. A few minutes per side is enough to make them tender and lightly golden.

Let the pears cool slightly before adding them to the greens to help prevent the greens from wilting too quickly.

Arugula, spinach and spring mix all work well.

Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Walnuts or pecans can be used for the candied nut topping.

Maple syrup can be used instead of honey to caramelize the pears.

The individual components can be prepared ahead, but assemble and dress the salad shortly before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American