Description
A delicious and elegant Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad featuring sweet caramelized pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and a burst of dried cranberries, all tossed with fresh mixed greens and drizzled with balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Pears
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Prepare the pears: Slice the 2 ripe pears into thin, even pieces for quick and even caramelization.
- Heat the pan: Place a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and get slightly foamy.
- Caramelize the pears: Add the sliced pears to the skillet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and caramelized with a golden-brown glaze.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups of mixed greens, ensuring they are washed and dried.
- Add salad toppings: Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, ¼ cup candied walnuts or pecans, thinly sliced ¼ red onion, and ¼ cup dried cranberries evenly over the greens.
- Add caramelized pears: Gently transfer the warm caramelized pears on top of the salad ingredients to add a warm, sweet contrast.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad for a tangy finishing touch.
- Toss and serve: Toss the salad gently to combine the flavors without breaking the pears or crushing the cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm pears and crisp greens.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold shape during caramelization.
- Candied walnuts or pecans can be substituted with regular nuts if preferred.
- Balsamic glaze offers a more concentrated sweetness than vinaigrette; use according to taste.
- Serve this salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast between warm pears and fresh greens.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or seafood for a complete meal.
