Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant—this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad inspired by the Barefoot Contessa is a beautiful blend of textures and tastes. Juicy pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy nuts, and peppery greens come together with a simple homemade vinaigrette for a salad that’s just as at home at a holiday table as it is on a weeknight dinner plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced Flavors – Sweet pears, creamy cheese, and savory dressing complement each other perfectly.
Easy but Elegant – A stunning salad that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Seasonal Favorite – Ideal for fall and winter when pears are at their peak.
Customizable – Switch out nuts, greens, or cheese to suit your taste.
Great for Entertaining – A crowd-pleasing side dish or light appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or mesclun)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional for a pop of sweetness)

For the Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Extra crumbled blue cheese
• Freshly cracked pepper
• Thinly sliced red onion or shallots

Tools You’ll Need
Large salad bowl
Small bowl or mason jar for dressing
Whisk or fork
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Salad tongs or serving spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for more tang.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
4. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
5. Layer on thinly sliced pears. If prepping in advance, toss the pear slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 3: Add the Toppings
6. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad.
7. Add candied pecans or walnuts for crunch and richness.
8. Toss in dried cranberries for a touch of tart sweetness (optional but highly recommended).

Step 4: Dress and Serve
9. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
10. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly without bruising the greens.
11. Garnish with extra blue cheese, fresh pepper, or thin red onion slices if desired.
12. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Choose Ripe Pears – Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett varieties work well when ripe but still firm.
Use Quality Cheese – Creamy, tangy blue cheese makes all the difference.
Candied Nuts – You can buy them or quickly toast with a little sugar and butter.
Dress Lightly – Too much dressing can wilt the greens—start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Serve Cold – Keep ingredients chilled until just before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Table – A festive starter for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Alongside Roast Chicken – Complements hearty main dishes beautifully.
With Soup – Pair with butternut squash or tomato soup for a balanced meal.
Topped with Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty lunch.
In a Wrap – Toss salad in a whole wheat wrap for a portable lunch option.

How to Store & Prep Ahead

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store undressed salad components in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Avoid Mixing Early: Only combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain texture.

Prep Ahead:
Make Dressing: Prepare and refrigerate vinaigrette up to 5 days in advance.
Slice Pears: Slice up to 2 hours ahead and coat with lemon juice to avoid browning.
Toast Nuts: Prepare candied nuts in advance and keep in an airtight container at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
   Absolutely. Goat cheese or feta are great substitutes if you prefer something milder.
2. What kind of pears work best?
   Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well and provide a sweet, firm bite.
3. Can I make this salad vegan?
   Yes! Use a vegan cheese alternative and maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
4. Is it okay to use bagged salad greens?
   Yes, just make sure they are fresh and crisp. Rinse and dry thoroughly if needed.
5. Can I make it nut-free?
   Of course. Simply leave out the nuts or replace with crunchy seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Final Thoughts
This Barefoot Contessa–style Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a delicious harmony of flavors and textures—sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all at once. It’s a stunning dish that feels gourmet with minimal effort, making it perfect for entertaining or elevating your everyday meals.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see your version of this beautiful salad!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 310mg

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