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Pear Walnut Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 28 reviews

A fresh and flavorful Pear Walnut Blue Cheese Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet Anjou pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy blue cheese, all brought together with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 5 ounces arugula
  • 2 Anjou pears, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Vinaigrette Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the vinaigrette: Combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a jar with a lid. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
  2. Prepare the salad: In a large salad bowl, place the arugula. Evenly distribute the toasted chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced Anjou pears on top of the greens.
  3. Dress the salad: Pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side to allow guests to add their preferred amount.

Notes

  • To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • Anjou pears are preferred for their sweetness and firmness, but Bartlett pears can be used as a substitute.
  • For a nuttier flavor, try substituting blue cheese with goat cheese or feta.
  • Adjust the vinaigrette seasoning according to taste, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
  • This salad is best served immediately to preserve the texture of the arugula and pears.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/pear-walnut-blue-cheese-salad-recipe/