Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

Pear Gorgonzola Salad on a serving platter.

Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

Bright, fresh and full of bold flavors, my Pear and Gorgonzola Salad comes together in about 15 minutes and makes a delicious side salad. It's a vibrant mix of crisp greens, juicy pears, sweet dried cranberries and creamy crumbled gorgonzola. Top with my easy candied maple walnuts (or pecans) and a drizzle of tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette for an irresistible sweet and savory touch.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 333kcal

Author Traci York

Ingredients

For the Salad

5 cups (105 grams) Mixed Salad Greens
2 cups (300 grams) Fresh Pear medium dice, about 2 medium pears
1/2 cup (70 grams) Gorgonzola Cheese crumbled
1/4 cup (40 grams) Dried Cranberries preferably apple juice sweetened or unsweetened
1/2 cup (60 grams) Maple Candied Walnuts or Maple Candied Pecans

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar *see note
1-2 teaspoons Pure Maple Syrup adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon Prepared Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon Shallot minced
Pinch Salt & Pepper
4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

For the Salad

Wash and dry your salad greens. I use a salad spinner for the job.
Arrange the salad greens in a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the Gorgonzola over the top, then the pears, sprinkle with chopped walnuts and cranberries. Dress and toss just before serving.

For the Dressing

In a small bowl, add the vinegar, maple syrup, dijon, shallot and salt and pepper. Whisking, drizzle in olive oil until a creamy emulsion is formed. Taste for sweetness and add more maple syrup if desired. Set aside. The dressing should taste bold, slightly sweet and tangy.
Alternatively, add all the ingredients to a Mason jar and shake vigorously.
Store the Dressing: store in the refrigerator in a lidded container for up to a week. Set at room temperature for about 15 minutes and whisk or shake before enjoying.

Notes

*Balsamic Vinegar: brands vary widely in sweetness and viscosity. Depending on the sweetness of your vinegar, adjust the maple syrup to taste.

Nutrition