Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Fresh, crisp, and delightfully balanced, this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad inspired by the Barefoot Contessa is a refreshing addition to any meal. Juicy pears, creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and peppery arugula come together with a light vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully. It’s a restaurant-quality salad you can make at home in just minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant and Easy – Looks gourmet but comes together in under 15 minutes.
Perfectly Balanced – Sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy in every bite.
Versatile – Serve it as a starter, side, or light main dish.
Seasonal Favorite – Ideal for fall, but delicious year-round.
Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste or what’s in season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 6 cups baby arugula or mixed greens
• 2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
• ½ cup toasted walnuts (or pecans), roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for a pop of sweetness)

For the Vinaigrette:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Dijon mustard, vinegar, and honey until well combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify.
Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, add the arugula or mixed greens.
Layer with sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries if using.

Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss with tongs or clean hands to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.

Step 4: Plate and Serve
Transfer to individual plates or serve family-style.
Top with a few extra crumbles of blue cheese and a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper for presentation.

Tips for the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Choose Ripe but Firm Pears – You want them juicy, but not mushy.
Toast the Nuts – Enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
Add Dressing Last Minute – Keeps greens fresh and crisp.
Balance the Flavors – The honey in the dressing balances the tang of the cheese.
Serve Chilled – Keep ingredients cool for the freshest flavor.

Serving Suggestions
With Grilled Chicken – Turn it into a hearty meal with a protein boost.
Alongside Soup – Pairs beautifully with creamy butternut squash or tomato bisque.
Holiday Starter – Elegant enough to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
In a Wrap – Add to a tortilla with sliced turkey or tofu for a quick lunch.
On a Cheese Board – Serve smaller portions as a refreshing contrast.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Make Ahead Tips:

• Prep the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
• Slice the pears right before serving to avoid browning.
• Toast nuts and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Assemble dry ingredients ahead, and add dressing when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers:

• Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Dressed salad is best eaten immediately, as the greens will wilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Goat cheese or feta are great alternatives if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.

2. What’s the best pear variety for salad?
Bosc and Anjou are both excellent choices—they’re sweet, firm, and hold their shape.

3. Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a similar crunch.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure all packaged ingredients (like vinegar and cheese) are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Of course—just scale up the ingredients and use a larger bowl for tossing.

Final Thoughts
This Barefoot Contessa–inspired Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a stunning yet simple dish that proves salads don’t have to be boring. With its mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it for a casual lunch. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Give it a try and see why this flavor-packed salad deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Be sure to leave a review and share your version online—we’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 320mg

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