Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that harmonizes the sweet and savory flavors of autumn. This exquisite salad features ripe pears, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Roasted butternut squash and earthy arugula add depth and texture to this delightful dish. For a sweet and savory treat, try the candied pecans recipe, where pecans are coated in a caramelized glaze. And if you're craving a delectable dressing, the balsamic vinaigrette recipe offers a perfect balance of tang and sweetness. This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even as a main course.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CANDIED PECANS, GORGONZOLA AND PEAR SALAD
Adding grilled or sliced roasted chicken to this salad makes it a main dish salad. I have listed two vinaigrette that I use on this particular salad. It is hard for me to decide which one I like better. Depends on my mood and what I am serving.
Provided by Marsha Gardner
Categories Lettuce Salads
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- 1. CANDIED PECANS: Melt the butter in a pan. Mix in the maple syrup and pepper. Add the pecans and toss to coat. Cook on medium low heat about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Turn out on aluminum foil and let cool for 5 minutes; break apart if necessary.
- 2. TO MAKE EITHER DRESSING: Mix all ingredients in bowl using a wire whisk. Place greens on individual plates. Sprinkle red onion, chopped pears, nuts and gorgonzola on top of salad greens. Drizzle dressing over salad or serve on the side to suit individual tastes. Beautiful and delicious.
- 3. If serving as a meal, you can add grilled or sliced roasted chicken. Makes 4-6 main dish servings or 8-10 side dish servings.
ARUGULA SALAD WITH PEARS AND GORGONZOLA
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons reserved pear juice and olive oil and vinegar dressing. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss to coat.
- Divide dressed arugula among 4 chilled salad plates. Top each salad with 4 pear slices, Gorgonzola, and pecans. Serve immediately.
GORGONZOLA PEAR SALAD
This quick, easy recipe really showcases pears. When I have leftover cooked chicken, I often add it to the recipe to make a main dish salad.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing).
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For dressing, in a blender, combine the vinegar, pear halves and salt; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream., In a salad bowl, combine the greens, chopped pears, tomato, walnuts and cheese. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing; toss to coat. Serve with pepper if desired. Refrigerate any leftover dressing.
Nutrition Facts :
ROQUEFORT PEAR SALAD
This is the best salad I've ever eaten and I make it all the time. It is tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelized pecans. The mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together.
Provided by Michelle Krzmarzick
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces.
- For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 426.2 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 21.3 mg, Fat 31.6 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 654 mg, Sugar 20.8 g
CANDIED PECAN PEAR SALAD
For special occasions, I like to dress up packaged salad greens with sweet pears, crunchy pecans and a slightly tart pomegranate dressing.-Douglas Wasdyke, Effort, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a small heavy skillet, melt butter. Add pecans; cook over medium heat until toasted, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon; cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until sugar is melted. Spread on foil to cool., For dressing, in a blender, combine 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. , Cut pear into thin slices; sprinkle with lemon juice. In a salad bowl, combine the greens, pears, blue cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 24g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 170mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use ripe pears that are slightly firm to the touch.
- If you don't have gorgonzola cheese, you can substitute another blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Stilton.
- To make the candied pecans, be sure to use a heavy-bottomed skillet so that the sugar doesn't burn.
- If you don't have time to make the candied pecans, you can use store-bought chopped pecans instead.
- For a more flavorful salad, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey before serving.
Conclusion:
This salad is a delicious and elegant way to enjoy pears. The combination of sweet pears, salty gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy candied pecans is sure to please everyone at your table. It's a perfect salad for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also great for potlucks and picnics.
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