Description
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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Ingredients
For the Salad:
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6 cups baby arugula or mixed greens
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2 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
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½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
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½ cup toasted walnuts (or pecans), roughly chopped
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¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for a pop of sweetness)
For the Vinaigrette:
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
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1 tbsp honey
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Cuisine: American