• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
CucinaByElena
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Quick & Easy
  • Classics
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Quick & Easy
    • Classics
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • steakhouse creamed spinach recipe with a spoon in it.
      Best Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe (Easy)
    • cover photo,
      Best Loaded Vegetarian Quiche Recipe
    • cover photo.
      Best Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Classic Italian Cookie)
    • cover photo.
      Easy Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta Recipe (Italian)
    • chicken drumsticks in a white serving dish with lemon and parsley as garnish.
      How Long to Bake Chicken Drumsticks at 400 Best Baked
    • Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe: Thanksgiving leftovers
    • cover
      Best Jimmy Dean Sausage Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese
    • What's the Best Bread for Stuffing? (Thanksgiving)
    • cover photo.
      Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Maple Syrup
    • cover photo.
      Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe (Thanksgiving)
    • cover
      Easy Fresh Cranberry Relish Recipe (3 Ingredients!)
    • cover
      Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe With Biscuits
    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Italian Salad Recipes

    Italian Salad with Pears, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola

    Published: Oct 21, 2021 · Modified: Nov 15, 2023 by Elena · 15 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Italian Salad with Pears, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola- This salad encompasses the perfect fall/winter flavors with the sweetness of pear and the tangy, sharpness of gorgonzola, and comforting flavors of the orange honey mustard vinaigrette – a classic Italian pairing.

    Why I love this salad

    I love salads all year around! The best part about salads is... you can make a hundred variations. This is one of my favorite combinations for fall and winter. It is a delicious salad to serve for any occasion.

    Enjoy it as a side for a special occasion meal or fancy up a weeknight dinner by adding this as a side to any main dish.

    You might also love this Tuna Salad Recipe with Vinaigrette recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • What pears are best for a salad?
    • What cheese is best for this salad?
    • What greens will work in this salad?
    • Homemade Vinaigrette
    • Best tips for serving salad:
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Italian Green Salad Pears, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola Orange Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

    Ingredients

    The ingredients are wholesome and healthy for this delicious Italian Salad Pears, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola.

    Salad:

    • Mixed Italian greens
    • Pears (see pear recommendations)
    • Gorgonzola (see cheese variations)
    • Walnuts (you can leave them out if desired or use pistachios or almonds)

    Vinaigrette:

    • Olive oil
    • Fresh orange juice
    • Orange zest
    • Honey
    • Dijon mustard
    • Garlic
    • Salt and Pepper

    What pears are best for a salad?

    When pears are in season and are perfectly juicy and ripe, that is when this salad truly shines. If you can’t find pears that are sweet and ripe, you can substitute apple for the pear.

    Some of my favorites include Anjou, Bosc, Bartlett and Comice varieties. The important thing is to choose pears that are ripe, but still firm.

    You can gently squeeze the pear, it should have a bit of give if it's firm. Avoid soft pears, as they can get mushy in the salad.

    What cheese is best for this salad?

    The cheese in this recipe is gorgonzola. Gorgonzola is a veined blue cheese, originally from Italy, made from unskimmed cow's milk. It can be buttery or firm, crumbly and quite salty, with a "bite". It pairs perfectly with the sweet pears.

    You can find it in a soft, creamy version or a firmer version. I like both versions for this salad.

    You can also substituted with blue cheese or stilton. Gorgonzola often has a more mild flavor than blue cheese, and provides a great option if you do not prefer strong cheeses.

    If you are looking for a different cheese altogether, I recommend- goat cheese or feta. Their acidity is similar and will complement the flavors of the salad well.

    What greens will work in this salad?

    I love to use a traditional Italian mix. You can find this salad in pre made bags with the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy romaine and crisp, red cabbage that adds a delectable texture and taste to this salad.

    Try any salad mix you want. You can also add arugula or spinach. I don’t prefer to use romaine or iceberg lettuce because it’s too crunchy and the water content is too high. You will have better results with thin, leafy greens.

    Italian Green Salad Pears, Walnuts, Gorgonzola Orange Honey Vinaigrette on a plate

    Homemade Vinaigrette

    You will love this super easy homemade vinaigrette that you can use for different salad recipes as well. It is sweet, tangy, fresh, and just the right balance of flavors you desire for your tender salad greens.

    You simple throw all the ingredients in a jar and shake, shake, shake!

    Everyone loves this salad. It’s super easy to make. You can toss it up in just a few minutes, so it’s fresh right when you’re ready to serve it.

    A beautiful and delicious salad for entertaining!

    Best tips for serving salad:

    • Make the dressing up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the dressing in the fridge and let it come to room temperature an hour before serving. Shake the jar and presto! You are ready to dress your salad.
    • Serve the salad in a flat and wide serving platter (as pictured). Ditch the deep salad bowl and serve your salad on a platter for a pretty presentation. This will also help with serving and evenly topping the salad with all the add-in ingredients.
    • Dress the salad 10 minutes before serving and DO NOT TOSS. When you serve the salad in a shallow and wide serving platter you don't need to toss the salad. No more digging for all the yummy toppings at the bottom of the bowl! Simply distribute the dressing evenly over the top and the it will seep down to coat all the toppings and salad underneath. Voila!

    As guests serve themselves the salad will stay pretty with the ingredients on top.

    Everyone will get a little bit of all the delicious toppings as the get their portions and the salad will be perfectly dressed with the vinaigrette.

    Serving Suggestions

    This salad goes well with Perfect Pork Tenderloin with Fennel, or Classic Italian Lasagna Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce. Serve with a side of homemade bread, or focaccia, and a Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl) for dessert!

    This salad also makes a great side to go with homemade pizza!

    From my Cucina to Your Table. Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

    Made with Amore, Elena

    More Delicious Recipes for YOU

    Breaded Chicken Breast Pan Fried (Italian)

    Roasted Fennel Recipe (Italian Style)

    Orecchiette with Sausage, Peppers, and Arugula (video)

    Italian Crumble Cake Pastry Cream Filling

    Fall Harvest Salad

    Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

    I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Italian Green Salad Pears, Walnuts, Gorgonzola Orange Honey Vinaigrette on a serving plate

    Italian Green Salad Pears, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola Orange Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

    ★★★★★

    5 from 8 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    This Pear and Gorgonzola Salad encompasses the perfect flavors with the sweetness of pear and the tangy, sharpness of gorgonzola, and tangy delightful flavor of the orange honey dressing – a classic Italian pairing. Everyone loves this salad. It’s super easy to make. You can toss it up in just a few minutes, so it’s fresh right when you’re ready to serve it.

    • Total Time: 0 hours
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Orange Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

    • ½ cup good quality olive oil
    • ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice + zest of one orange
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
    • 2 cloves of garlic cut in quarters

    Salad

    • 2 bags (510 g) Italian lettuce mix or spring greens
    • 2 medium pears, cored and diced
    • 5 tablespoons of crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese
    • 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts

    Instructions

    Citrus and Honey Vinaigrette DRESSING

    1. Place all ingredients in a Mason jar and shake vigorously. The dressing can stay at room temperature for up to two hours and up to one week in the refrigerator.

    Salad

    1. In a large salad bowl or plater add the mixed salad.  Add the rest of the ingredients on top of the salad. Do not toss.
    2. Add all of the prepared dressing on evenly on top of the salad 10 minute before serving. Do not toss or all the ingredients will fall to the bottom. The dressing will eventually coat the bottom of the salad as it sinks. The salad will toss naturally as it is served. Mangia!
    • Author: Elena Davis
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: N/A
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: salad, side dish, walnuts, citrus dressing, Italian salad, salad recipe, gorgonzola cheese

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

    Related

    More Classic Italian Recipes

    • Orzo vs RIsotto
      Orzo vs Risotto - What’s the Difference? + Recipes
    • close up of plated mushroom risotto in a white bowl with a fork in the bowl.
      Easy Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe
    • How Long to Cook Whole Chicken Recipe Perfect & Juicy- cooked roast chicken in a large roasting pan with lemons and garlic on the side.
      How Long to Cook Whole Chicken Recipe Perfect & Juicy
    • cover photo.
      Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe (Garlic with Oil Pasta)
    FacebookTweetPinYummlyEmail

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela W. says

      February 16, 2023 at 9:57 am

      This was such a refreshing salad. The ingredients are simple but it comes together flawlessly and packs a lot of flavor! My family loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 16, 2023 at 4:07 pm

        Thrilled you loved it. It is a tried and true staple!

        Reply
    2. Sandee DellaLucia says

      December 16, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      I made this salad for thanksgiving last year and loved it! I have been making it ever since, I love the orange salad dressing!!! So fresh!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        December 16, 2022 at 5:35 pm

        Thank you! It is one of our favorites as well!

        Reply
    3. Paloma Mia says

      November 28, 2022 at 12:42 pm

      I made this elegant and beautiful salad as an accompaniment to everything on Thanksgiving. It was a huge hit! The orange vinaigrette is lovely. I highly recommend this salad anytime of the year.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 29, 2022 at 3:04 pm

        So happy you loved it! It does make a beautiful presentation. You should try the orange, fennel, and pomegranate recipe for your holiday parties. Enjoy.

        Reply
    4. Katherine says

      November 12, 2022 at 7:05 am

      Whole family loves this salad recipe. Easy and flavorful!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 12, 2022 at 8:37 am

        Happy you loved it! The orange vinaigrette is so scrumptious.

        Reply
    5. Nikie says

      February 10, 2022 at 12:53 am

      This has become one of our favorite Sunday dinner sides.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Sandee DellaLucia says

      February 01, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      This is my family’s new favorite salad! We have made a similar salad for years, but this homemade dressing takes it over the top!, thank you Elena! Love your website, recipes, instagram, stories! Love it all!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 02, 2022 at 1:51 am

        Yes, the dressing is so fresh and delicious. Happy you enjoy it!

        Reply
    7. Sally says

      February 01, 2022 at 5:19 am

      I LOVE this salad. The citrus based dressing is divine, and the blue cheese in combination with the pears makes for a party in your mouth. I don’t love walnuts so I used pecans instead.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 01, 2022 at 5:46 pm

        So happy you loved it. I am sure pecans would be wonderful as well!

        Reply
    8. Jesse Overton says

      February 01, 2022 at 4:53 am

      LOVED this recipe. It was so fresh and filling. And looks beautiful too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 01, 2022 at 5:47 pm

        It is a beautiful and delicious salad. Thanks for taking the time to write a review!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    Primary Sidebar

    WELCOME to CucinaByElena

    Profile photo of Elena Davis in her kitchen leaning on the kitchen counter. She is wearing a blue button up shirt and her Cucina By Elena apron counter

    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • cover photo- veg stuffing.
      Best Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole Recipe
    • Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin Recipe with Marinade
    • cover photo.
      Fall Harvest Salad with Apple and Butternut Squash
    • Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pork Chops
      Best Sides for Pork Chops (55 Side Dish Recipes)

    Featured In...

    Multiple brand images.

    Related

    Footer

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Work with me

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for FREE & NEW RECIPES

    Contact & Social

    • Contact
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Tiktok

    Copyright © 2022 CucinaByElena

    Made with Amore

    Related

    0 shares
    • Save
    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!