Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Pecans foodiecrush.com

Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe

This simple pear gorgonzola salad is the perfect balance of sweet and tart and matches so deliciously with everything. You can easily change up the cheese or nuts, or even add a protein to make it a main dish salad.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword pear gorgonzola salad

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 357kcal

Ingredients

For the Candied Pecans

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup pecan halves

For the Dijon Vinaigrette

⅓ cup rice vinegar , seasoned or unseasoned
1 tablespoon shallot , minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

8 cups lettuce mix of spring greens, butter lettuce, and radicchio
3 pears , cored and sliced
4 ounces soft Gorgonzola cheese , crumbled

Instructions

Make the candied pecans

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, stir the sugar, water, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Cook until the sugar begins to melt. Add the nuts and cook, stirring often, until the nuts are toasted and glazed. Spoon the nuts onto the prepared sheet pan to cool, separating with a fork. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt if desired.

Make the dressing

Add the vinegar, shallots, and Dijon mustard to a bowl then slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mix while whisking continuously until emulsified. Season with kosher salt and pepper, adding more to taste. (Or, add all of the ingredients to a jar, close the lid tightly, and shake well.)

Assemble the salad

On a large platter or in a shallow bowl, layer the lettuce with the radicchio. Nestle the sliced pears and cooled candied pecans into the lettuce leaves then top with chunks of gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.

Notes

The Dijon vinaigrette can be made and refrigerated up to 2 weeks before. Bring to room temperature before serving.

The candied pecans can be stored airtight at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks.

Nutrition