Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
A beautifully balanced Mediterranean-style salad featuring golden caramelized pears, creamy blue cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a light honey-balsamic vinaigrette. Sweet, savory, and sophisticated.
⏱️ Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
4 cups arugula or mixed baby greens
2 medium ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola)
1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
Optional: 2 tbsp dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds
For the Honey-Balsamic Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
2. Caramelize the pears:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil.
Add pear slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and caramelized.
Drizzle with 1 tsp honey and a pinch of salt during the last minute.
Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
3. Assemble the salad:
Place arugula or mixed greens in a large bowl or platter.
Top with caramelized pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and cranberries or pomegranate if using.
4. Drizzle and serve:
Drizzle with honey-balsamic dressing right before serving.
Finish with cracked black pepper and an optional sprinkle of sea salt.
️ Serving Tips:
Pairs beautifully with a slice of sourdough, focaccia, or whole-grain bread.
Serve alongside roast chicken or grilled salmon for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes & Tips:
Toast the nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes for extra flavor.
For a twist, use goat cheese or feta instead of blue cheese.
Use figs or apples as a seasonal variation.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep components separately. Caramelized pears can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated slightly. Assemble just before serving.
Q: What type of blue cheese is best?
Creamy mild blue cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce or Danish Blue are great choices. Avoid overly sharp varieties unless you like a bold kick.
Q: Is this Mediterranean diet friendly?
Yes – in moderation. It includes olive oil, greens, fruit, nuts, and cheese, all typical of Mediterranean eating patterns.
Nutrition information
Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 11g