Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts

Elenor Craig

This exquisite Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts brings together the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe pears with the bold, creamy notes of Gorgonzola cheese. Finished with delightful candied walnuts, it offers a perfect marriage of textures and flavors—a contemporary twist on classic flavor pairings, embodying the sophistication of European cuisine.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings bowls

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 medium ripe pears sliced thin
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese preferably from the Italian Alps
¼ cup candied walnuts
4 cups mixed greens organic is preferred

For the Candied Walnuts:

½ cup walnuts
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 pinch salt to taste
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the walnuts and sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and coats the nuts, and they are golden and fragrant. This process should take about 5 minutes. Transfer the walnuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary to balance the sweetness and acidity.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Add Candied Walnuts: Before serving, sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts over the salad for an intriguing texture and complimentary flavor.

Notes

If Gorgonzola is too strong for your taste, consider substituting with a milder blue cheese.
For added complexity in the dressing, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can provide an extra kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 7gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 217mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 675IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 1mg

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