Pear Salad with Blue Cheese, Pomegranate Seeds, and Candied Pecans Recipe
A refreshing and elegant Pear Salad featuring mixed spring greens, ripe pears, pomegranate seeds, blue cheese, and candied pecans, all tossed in a rich homemade balsamic dressing. This salad balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 pound pears, firm but ripe, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (can substitute dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the mixed spring greens, sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped candied pecans in a large salad bowl.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and prevent browning of the pears.
Notes
- Use multiple colors of pears for a more visually appealing presentation.
- For the best flavor, crumble a wedge of high-quality blue cheese yourself rather than using pre-crumbled cheese, which may contain additives.
- To slow browning of sliced pears if preparing in advance, toss them lightly in lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain freshness and appearance.