Description
This elegant Autumn Salad with Pears and Gorgonzola is the perfect celebration of seasonal harvest flavors. Combining crisp, juicy pears with the bold, creamy notes of Gorgonzola cheese and a satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, it creates a sophisticated profile that is both sweet and savory. Tossed in a zesty, homemade apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is effortless to assemble, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a stunning, restaurant-quality starter for your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 small ripe pears, peeled and diced
1/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
8 ounces mixed baby greens, baby spinach, or arugula
1 ounce pecans, halves or chopped
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
In a large serving bowl, add the mixed baby greens, baby spinach, or arugula.
Top the greens with the diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and pecans.
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat evenly.
Notes
For extra depth, lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant before adding to the salad. You can substitute the Gorgonzola with blue cheese or goat cheese depending on your preference for funkiness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg