PEAR & BLUE CHEESE WALNUT SALAD W/ PEAR VINAIGRETTE

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Pear & Blue Cheese Walnut Salad W/ Pear Vinaigrette image

This is a recipe I clipped from a cooking magazine over 20 years ago. I suppose the salad is similar to others posted but the dressing is slightly different. Pear nectar can be found amongst the canned juices at your grocer. Buy a good crumbled blue cheese and feel free to cheat and buy pre-sweetened nuts. Enjoy this refreshing salad. Cook time is sugar coating the nuts.

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 40m

Yield 8 salads, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 medium pears, semi-firm but ripe, peels on
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salad greens, enough for 8 servings
1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1 cup walnuts, candied (see recipe below)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
vinaigrette dressing (recipe below)
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/3 cup salad oil
1/3 cup pear nectar
1 teaspoon dijon-style mustard, sub. grainy brown
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Halve and core the pears. Slice thin, brush with lemon juice to prevent browning. This may be done up to 60 minutes ahead.
  • To arrange the salads: line plates with salad greens.
  • Fan pear slices atop each serving.
  • Sprinkle with some blue cheese and candied nuts.
  • Drizzle with dressing. Serve extra on the side.
  • CANDIED WALNUTS / PECANS.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil. Butter or spray with a nonstick oil.
  • In a heavy skillet, over medium heat, combine: 1 C walnuts, 1/2 C sugar and 2 T butter.
  • Cook until sugar starts to melt, DO NOT stir. Reduce heat to low and cook 'til sugar is golden brown. Stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and pour onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break into clusters.
  • PEAR NECTAR VINAIGRETTE.
  • In a screw top jar, combine:
  • white wine vinegar, oil, pear nectar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper.
  • Cover and shake well.
  • Store in refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Shake before serving.
  • Makes about 1°C.

Rosa UK
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This salad was a complete disaster. The dressing was too thick, the pears were underripe, and the walnuts were stale.


Yasir rahi
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my salad didn't turn out as good as the picture. I'm not sure what I did wrong.


lisa Graham
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This salad was a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add some more salt and pepper next time.


Olivia Kneip
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The walnuts in this salad were a bit too crunchy for me. I think I'll chop them up next time.


Rahim Baloch
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I found the blue cheese to be a bit too strong for my taste. Next time I'll use a milder cheese.


Elijah Adamu
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This salad is a bit pricey, but it's worth it for a special occasion.


Ulysees Dreyer
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I love that this salad is made with seasonal ingredients. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall.


Tanjim Vai
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This salad is so easy to make, and it's perfect for a weeknight meal.


Trudie Maass
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I was a bit skeptical about the pear vinaigrette, but it was actually really good. It added a nice sweetness to the salad.


Roxanemkl Bussinkuqs
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This salad is absolutely delicious! The flavors and textures all work together perfectly.


Smeonard Smole
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I've made this salad several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's light and refreshing, yet still filling.


Vaeh
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This salad was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of pears, blue cheese, and walnuts was divine. The pear vinaigrette was the perfect finishing touch.