Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad
A crisp, elegant salad that balances sweet juicy pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and bold tangy blue cheese crumbles. Tossed with fresh mixed greens and a simple honey-lemon vinaigrette, this salad comes together in 15 minutes for a stunning side or light lunch.
For 4 servings
- roast · ~4 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place chopped walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- mix · ~1 min
Whisk the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and dijon mustard.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad base.
1.Place the washed and dried mixed greens in a large salad bowl.2.Arrange the sliced pears over the greens.3.Scatter the cooled toasted walnuts on top. - assemble · ~1 min
Finish and dress the salad.
1.Crumble the blue cheese evenly over the salad.2.Drizzle the vinaigrette over everything.TIPDress the salad just before serving so the greens stay crisp. - mix · ~1 min
Toss gently and serve immediately.
Using two large spoons or salad tongs, toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve right away on chilled plates.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant to deepen their nutty flavor and add crunch.
- 2Use firm-but-ripe pears so they hold their shape when sliced and tossed.
- 3Toss the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
- 4Let the toasted walnuts cool completely before adding to the salad to keep them crisp.
- 5Chill the serving plates for 5 minutes to keep the salad greens crisp longer.
- 6Adjust blue cheese amount to taste — a little goes a long way for tangy flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-free
Replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without nuts, perfect for those with allergies.
veganVegan
Omit the blue cheese and use a vegan cheese alternative or add avocado for creaminess; replace honey with maple syrup to keep it plant-based.
apple swapApple swap
Substitute pears with crisp apple slices (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) for a tangier, slightly firmer texture that still pairs well with blue cheese.
low calorieLow-calorie
Reduce blue cheese to 30g and use a lighter vinaigrette by halving the oil and increasing lemon juice, for a lower calorie but still flavorful salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Fiber
Pears and mixed greens contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
Calcium from Blue Cheese
Blue cheese offers a modest amount of calcium for bone health when used as a flavorful topping.
Antioxidant-Rich Greens
Mixed salad greens provide vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that support immune function.
Frequently asked questions
You can toast the walnuts and make the vinaigrette up to 2 days ahead, but toss the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
