🥗 Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad recipe that balances sweetness, saltiness, and crunch—perfect as a starter or light lunch.

🥗 Caramelized Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salad:

• 2 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work well), sliced

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby greens)

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort)

• 1/4 cup candied or toasted walnuts or pecans

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Pears

   • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add sliced pears and sprinkle with brown sugar or drizzle with honey.

   • Sauté for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and slightly softened but not mushy.

   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Dressing

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad

   • In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer the mixed greens.

   • Top with caramelized pears, crumbled blue cheese, nuts, and red onion (if using).

   • Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

💡 Tips:

• For extra depth, add a few slices of prosciutto or grilled chicken.

• Swap blue cheese with goat cheese if preferred.

• Add a handful of dried cranberries or figs for more sweetness.