Description
Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is a stunning sweet-and-savory dish featuring golden sautéed pears, creamy Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, and fresh greens all tossed in a rich balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, sliced
- 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula and spinach)
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for caramelizing pears)
Instructions
- Slice the pears into wedges. In a skillet, melt butter and sugar over medium heat. Sauté pears for 5–7 minutes until golden and tender.
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Add crumbled Gorgonzola and toasted walnuts to the salad.
- Gently fold in the warm caramelized pears, being careful not to bruise the greens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use blue cheese or feta instead of Gorgonzola for a different flavor.
- Pecans can substitute for walnuts.
- Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Use maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
- Thinly sliced red onions or roasted beets add extra color and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
