Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This salad combines crisp greens, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a refreshing starter for any meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is not only delicious, but it is also healthy. It features fresh ingredients that provide a mix of nutrients. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it very satisfying. Plus, it is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy day.
How to Make Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
Making this salad is easy and straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare it in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 100 g blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, pear slices, toasted walnuts, blue cheese, and red onion.
- In a small jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat.
How to Serve Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
Serve this salad fresh for the best taste. Place it in a large bowl for a family-style meal or on individual plates for each guest. You can garnish it with extra walnuts or blue cheese for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad can last for up to 2 days. However, it is best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This will help keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Tips to Make Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing
- Use ripe pears for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Experiment with different types of greens to find your favorite mix.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese to suit your taste.
Variation
You can add grilled chicken or quinoa for extra protein. If you prefer a different nut, try pecans or almonds. You can also use feta cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
2. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup if desired.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products.
Enjoy making and sharing this fresh and flavorful Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing!
