Pear Salad with Toasted Nuts and Blue Cheese - Quick and Easy Recipe
This refreshing Pear Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy pears, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and fresh greens. The light honey and lemon dressing adds a delicate touch of sweetness that complements the salad beautifully. It's an easy-to-make dish that works wonderfully as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, and it's great for impressing guests with its elegance and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 5 oz (150g) mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or your favorite greens)
- 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the salad. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens. Layer the pear slices evenly over the greens.
Add the toppings. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans, crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese), and dried cranberries on top of the pears.
Drizzle the dressing. Pour the honey-lemon dressing over the salad, and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
Serve immediately as a refreshing starter or side dish.
Recipe tips
For added depth of flavor, roast the nuts in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to bring out their natural oils and enhance their crunch. If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, swap it for a milder goat cheese or feta. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a warm, fall-inspired twist. Pears can brown quickly, so toss them lightly in lemon juice to maintain their color.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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