Description

This Vertical Pear Blue Cheese Salad is an elegant and fresh dish featuring stacked ripe pears layered with crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries over a bed of mixed greens. The salad is beautifully dressed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

3 ripe but firm pears, cored and sliced into thick rounds
6 cups mixed salad greens such as arugula and baby spinach
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified to create a smooth, tangy dressing.
Toss the Greens: In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed salad greens with half of the dressing until they are lightly coated, ensuring even flavor without wilting the delicate leaves.
Plate the Greens: Arrange the dressed greens on individual plates or on a serving platter, creating a fresh and colorful base for the salad.
Stack the Pear Slices: Layer 3 to 4 pear slices vertically in the center of each plate to form a tower or stack, adding visual interest and height to the salad.
Add Blue Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese between some of the pear layers and generously over the top of the stacks for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Garnish: Scatter toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion both around and over the pear stacks to add texture, sweetness, and a hint of sharpness.
Final Touch: Drizzle the remaining dressing lightly over the pear towers and salad just before serving, enhancing flavor and tying all elements together.

Notes

Choose pears that are firm to help them hold their shape when stacked.
You can substitute goat cheese for blue cheese if preferred for a milder flavor.
Candied pecans work well instead of walnuts if you want added sweetness and crunch.