Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
This Pear Gorgonzola Salad combines sweet, juicy pears, tangy Gorgonzola, crisp greens, and crunchy walnuts with a bright orange-honey vinaigrette. The fresh citrus dressing brings all the flavors together for a beautiful Italian-inspired salad that's especially lovely for fall, winter, and holiday meals.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- ¾ 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 garlic cut in quarters
Salad
- 2 bags Italian lettuce mix or spring greens 510 g
- 3 medium pears cored and diced
- 1 5-ounce container crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or candied pecans
Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette
- Place all ingredients in a Mason jar and shake vigorously. The dressing can be kept at room temperature for up to two hours or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Prepare the Salad
- 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.
- 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!
Notes
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape in the salad.
- Use a wide, shallow platter so the toppings are distributed evenly and easy to serve.
- Dress the salad about 10 minutes before serving so the vinaigrette can work its way through the greens.
- Don't toss the salad before serving. The dressing will naturally coat the ingredients as the salad is served.
Nutrition
Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
