Pear Gorgonzola Salad
on Nov 14, 2022, Updated Nov 11, 2023
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This simple pear gorgonzola salad has big flavors that all work together in a cheese plate-inspired bowl of greens. Worthy of Thanksgiving or any other holiday table, this recipe is great for a weekday lunch too. Fruit is one of my favorite additions to salads because there is just something so wonderful about savory dishes that have bites that are fresh and a touch sweet.
Table of Contents
Why You Need This Recipe
Pears and blue cheese are a classic pairing. Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese that’s milder and softer than other varieties. This Italian cheese is made with cow’s milk. These ingredients may have very different tastes, but that’s why they have the perfect balance.
Pomegranate seeds are lovely in fall – winter salads. Besides the gorgeous color they add to any recipe, pomegranate seeds are a juicy accent with some texture and crunch.
This salad is easy and flexible. You can switch the fruit, the type of lettuce or the nuts, and you will still end up with a great salad. Feel free to make substitutions and use what you have in your kitchen. Keep reading for ideas.
Best Variety of Pears for Salads
Pears range in from sweet and buttery to tart and crisp. Some are better for baking or making pear compote. While others are more suited to snacking and salads. For this pear salad recipe my picks are Bartlett pears, Comice, Bosc or Anjou.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This is what you need:
- Pears aren’t the only fruit that will work in this salad. Apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are good options if you are looking for a substitute.
- Arugula is nice and peppery. Spinach, butter lettuce, baby kale or a spring mix will also work with these ingredients.
- Gorgonzola: If you aren’t a fan of blue cheese, which I know can be you either love it or you don’t, try feta cheese or goat cheese instead. They will be more salty than pungent.
- Red onions, thinly sliced, are always a solid choice for salads. You can substitute with scallions.
- Pomegranate seeds: You can buy a whole pomegranate at the grocery or in the refrigerated case of the produce section you can find containers of seeds. Dried cranberries are another option for that sweet tart flavor in the salad.
- Walnuts: Make sure to toast the nuts on a baking sheet in a 350-degree F oven for 5-7 minutes. Substitute with chopped almonds or pecans.
- Balsamic vinegar is the base of the vinaigrette.
- Whole grain mustard helps to emulsify the dressing, and it adds flavor. If you prefer not having seeds, then substitute with Dijon mustard.
- Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Salt & pepper season the vinaigrette.
How To Make This Pear Gorgonzola Salad
1. Start by making the vinaigrette. Combine the mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk them together.
2. Assemble the salad ingredients. Use a big bowl for the arugula, pear slices, red onions, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, Gorgonzola and parsley.
3. Drizzle the vinaigrette into the salad. Toss the salad, so everything is lightly dressed. Start slowly with vinaigrette. You can always add more.
Serving
You can eat the salad as a side dish with an entrée or make the salad the main dish. If you want, you can add a protein like roasted chicken or a hardboiled egg.
Because of the weight of the pears and the delicate arugula, try arranging it on a large platter rather than a deep bowl. This way the goodies like the fruit, nuts and cheese won’t get lost.
Storage & Leftovers
If you plan on saving some of the salad for leftovers, wait to slice all the pears and do not toss the salad in the vinaigrette. This will prevent the arugula from becoming soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. The dressing should be kept in a separate jar.
Recipe FAQs
No. The peel adds structure to the sliced pears, so they hold their shape better when you mix them into the salad. Also, the texture of the peel is a good balance with soft pear flesh.
Toss the cut pears in lemon juice to prolong their bright white flesh and slow down browning.
You can make the vinaigrette up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then let the dressing sit out at room temperature for at least 15 minutes because the oil will likely harden in the chill of the refrigerator. Then whisk it together again.
More Pear Recipes
Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Pears
Pear Manchego Salad
Kale Brussels Sprout Salad with Pears
Pear Blue Cheese Focaccia
If you’re a salad person, don’t miss my easy seasonal salad guide for inspiration all year long.
Did you make this lovely fall – winter salad? Please leave a rating and comment below. Thanks!
Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Arugula
Ingredients
For vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For salad
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 3 pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, pears, red onions, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, gorgonzola and parsley.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette into the salad. Toss to combine.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this combination of pomegranate and pears!