Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines the sweet crunch of pears, the tangy bite of blue cheese, and the nutty richness of candied pecans in a delightful salad. This flavor-packed dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. With a simple dressing of olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar, this salad is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a stunning main course, this pear, blue cheese, and candied pecan salad is sure to impress.
In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegan alternative, you can substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for the blue cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. If you prefer a more substantial salad, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp, or roasted butternut squash for a touch of fall flavor. Experiment with different greens, such as arugula or spinach, to create a salad that is both visually appealing and delicious.
PEAR, BLUE CHEESE & CANDIED PECAN SALAD
Steps:
- Heat sugar, butter, OJ & spices. Melt and toss in nuts,stir to cover. Spread on a lined cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, turn w/ flipper every 15 minutes. Separate pecans while warm and Cool on wax paper. They will store for weeks in an airtight container. Portion spring greens on plates, add cubed pears, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and candied pecans, top with salad dressing -serve
TINA'S PEAR, BLUE CHEESE & CANDIED PECAN SALAD
Categories Salad Leafy Green
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Heat sugar, butter, OJ & spices. Melt and toss in nuts, stir to cover. Spread on a lined cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, turn w/ flipper every 15 minutes. They will be runny at first, but as you bake & turn them, they will become drier and more sticky. Separate pecans while warm and let cool on wax paper. They will store for weeks in an airtight container. Portion spring greens on plates, add cubed pears, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and candied pecans, top with salad dressing - serve. Options: 1 - sometimes I marinate the pears in the dressing before plating. 2 - If you have a grill pan, you can also grill sliced pears, instead of cubing them.
Tips:
- Choose ripe pears: Firm but ripe pears will hold their shape better in the salad and provide a sweet, juicy flavor.
- Use a variety of lettuces: A mix of lettuces, such as romaine, arugula, and radicchio, will add texture and flavor to the salad.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans will bring out their nutty flavor and make them more crunchy.
- Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the salad just before serving: This will prevent the lettuces from wilting.
Conclusion:
This Pear, Blue Cheese, and Candied Pecan Salad is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing come together to create a flavor combination that is sure to please everyone at the table. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover pears and blue cheese.
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