If there’s one salad I turn to when I want something elegant yet easy, it’s this caramelized pear and blue cheese salad. The sweetness of warm, golden pears mixed with the sharp, creamy bite of blue cheese is pure magic. Add in crunchy candied pecans, fresh greens, and a tangy vinaigrette, and you’ve got a salad that feels straight from a restaurant menu. I first made this salad for a holiday dinner, and now it’s a regular whenever I want to impress or simply treat myself to something special.
Let me show you why this salad works so beautifully and how simple it is to make at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This salad is all about balance, and here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Sweet and savory perfection: The caramelized pears are sweet and soft, while the blue cheese is tangy and creamy.
- Texture variety: Crunchy nuts, soft pears, crisp greens — every bite is interesting.
- Quick to make: It comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Flexible: Swap in different nuts or cheese based on what you have.
- Impressive but easy: This salad looks beautiful on the table with very little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 6 cups mixed greens (I use arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How I Make Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Caramelize the Pears
I melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the brown sugar, and stir until it melts and starts to bubble. Then I add the pear slices and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and soft. The kitchen smells amazing while they cook.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. I always taste and adjust — sometimes a little more honey or vinegar makes it perfect.
3. Assemble the Salad
I start with a bed of mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates. I scatter the caramelized pears on top, followed by crumbled blue cheese, red onion slices, and candied pecans.
4. Drizzle and Serve
Right before serving, I drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and give everything a light toss. I always save a few extra pears and nuts to place on top for presentation.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Use ripe but firm pears: They’ll hold their shape while caramelizing and won’t get mushy.
- Don’t overcook the pears: Just until golden and soft — you want them to hold their structure.
- Toast the nuts if they’re not candied: It brings out their natural sweetness and crunch.
- Use good-quality blue cheese: The stronger the cheese, the better the contrast.
- Add a protein: Grilled chicken or prosciutto pairs beautifully with this salad.
What I Serve with Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
This salad is a star on its own but also works wonderfully as part of a meal. Here’s what I like to pair it with:
- Grilled steak or roast chicken for a hearty dinner
- Crusty artisan bread or warm baguette slices
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
- For dessert, something simple like vanilla panna cotta or shortbread cookies
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can caramelize the pears and make the dressing ahead, but assemble everything just before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Q: What if I don’t like blue cheese?
A: Goat cheese or feta works beautifully too.
Q: Can I use apples instead of pears?
A: Absolutely! Sliced apples caramelize well and give a nice tart contrast.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: This salad is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day. The pears will soften more, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Why This Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Belongs on Your Table
This salad is everything I love in a dish — sweet, savory, crunchy, and fresh. It looks elegant, tastes amazing, and comes together so easily. Whether I’m serving it as a starter for a holiday meal or making it as a light lunch with crusty bread, it never fails to impress. The combination of warm caramelized pears and cool, tangy blue cheese is something truly special.
If you’re looking for a salad that feels both indulgent and fresh, this is the one to try. I promise it’ll become a staple on your table just like it has on mine.
My Favorite Sweet and Savory Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cups crumbled blue cheese
- 3 cups candied pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the brown sugar and sliced pears. Cook until the pears are caramelized, about 5-8 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens and caramelized pears.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese and candied pecans or walnuts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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