Description
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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Ingredients
For the Salad:
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6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or mesclun)
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2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
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½ cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
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½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
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¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional for a pop of sweetness)
For the Vinaigrette:
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp honey
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnish:
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Extra crumbled blue cheese
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Freshly cracked pepper
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Thinly sliced red onion or shallots
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
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In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American