Introduction & Inspiration
When I want a salad that feels elegant yet incredibly simple, I always reach for this Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all tied together with a punchy Dijon vinaigrette that makes every bite pop.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a side, or a light main dish, this salad always feels special without being complicated.
Nostalgic Appeal
This salad brings back memories of fall gatherings and holiday meals, where pears and nuts always found a place on the table.
There’s something timeless and comforting about pairing ripe fruit with bold cheese and crisp greens.
Every bite reminds me of cozy dinners with family, where simple ingredients came together to make something truly memorable.
Homemade Focus
Making this salad at home lets every ingredient shine in its freshest form.
The candied walnuts add a homemade touch that feels indulgent but effortless.
Whisking up the vinaigrette from scratch ensures a vibrant dressing that brings the salad together perfectly without overpowering the delicate pears and greens.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this salad was clear: create a balance of textures and flavors that feels both luxurious and fresh.
The pears bring natural sweetness, the candied walnuts add rich crunch, the Gorgonzola lends creamy, bold flavor, and the vinaigrette ties it all together with a sharp, tangy finish.
Each forkful is a little sweet, a little savory, and totally irresistible.
Ingredient Insights
Salad greens provide a fresh, crisp base—using a mix of baby arugula and little gem lettuce adds both pepperiness and crunch.
Ripe pears bring juicy sweetness that complements the boldness of the cheese.
Avocado adds rich, creamy texture, making the salad feel more filling and luxurious.
Thin slices of red onion add just the right amount of sharpness.
Candied walnuts contribute a sweet, toasty crunch that makes every bite a little more exciting.
Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese adds that unmistakable creamy tang that pairs perfectly with fruit and nuts.
The Dijon vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy kick that brightens every ingredient.
Essential Equipment
A large salad bowl for tossing everything together easily.
A mason jar or small bowl for mixing the vinaigrette.
Sharp knives and a cutting board for prepping the fruit and veggies.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces salad greens, chopped (half baby arugula, half little gem lettuce)
- 2 large ripe pears, diced
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 ounces candied walnuts (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
For the Dijon Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a mason jar.
Cover tightly and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl until combined and smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Dice the pears and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion.
If making your own candied walnuts, prepare them according to your favorite recipe and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, diced pears, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, candied walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola.
Drizzle the Dijon vinaigrette evenly over the top.
Step 4: Toss and Season
Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately while the greens are crisp and the flavors are at their freshest.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
The salad ingredients alone can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the vinaigrette and candied walnuts a day ahead.
Dice the pears and avocado just before assembling to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Warm Up:
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
No warming needed.
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Why did my avocado turn brown?
Avocado browns quickly when exposed to air.
Dice it just before serving and toss it gently in a bit of lemon juice to slow down browning.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Blue cheese, Roquefort, or even feta would work well if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
What pears work best?
Bartlett, Anjou, or Comice pears are great choices because they’re juicy and sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Tips and Variations
- Add cooked, diced chicken to make it a full meal.
- Swap walnuts for candied pecans if you prefer.
- Add dried cranberries for an extra sweet-tart pop.
- Use balsamic vinegar in the dressing for a slightly sweeter, deeper flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for an elegant meal.
- Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or a fruity iced tea.
- Perfect for brunches, holiday meals, or a fresh summer dinner.
Nutritional Information
This Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts is packed with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The balance of greens, fruit, nuts, and cheese makes it a satisfying yet fresh option for any meal.
Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts
Description
Make this Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts! Juicy pears, creamy cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette make the perfect elegant salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
5 ounces salad greens, chopped (half baby arugula, half little gem lettuce)
-
2 large ripe pears, diced
-
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
-
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
-
6 ounces candied walnuts (homemade or store-bought)
-
4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
For the Dijon Vinaigrette:
-
¼ cup olive oil
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
-
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
-
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
-
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a mason jar.
Cover tightly and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl until combined and smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Dice the pears and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion.
If making your own candied walnuts, prepare them according to your favorite recipe and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, diced pears, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, candied walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola.
Drizzle the Dijon vinaigrette evenly over the top.
Step 4: Toss and Season
Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately while the greens are crisp and the flavors are at their freshest.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
The salad ingredients alone can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the vinaigrette and candied walnuts a day ahead.
Dice the pears and avocado just before assembling to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Warm Up:
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
No warming needed.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts is elegant, fresh, and full of balanced flavors.
It’s quick to make, impressive to serve, and endlessly customizable.
If you have fun twists or questions about making it your own, I’d love to hear how you enjoy it!
Call-to-Action
If you make this Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts, leave a comment and let me know how you loved it!
Save this recipe for your next dinner party, holiday table, or weekday treat, and share it with a friend who loves fresh, flavorful dishes.
Let’s keep creating delicious, colorful meals together!