Description

A sophisticated and flavorful salad combining caramelized pears, tangy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh arugula. Sweet honey-glazed pears are gently sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness, complementing the creamy, sharp blue cheese and crunchy walnuts to create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

2–3 pears, unpeeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey

Dairy and Fats

30g unsalted butter
100g crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort)

Greens and Nuts

2 handfuls arugula (or spring mix)
30g chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions

Prepare Pears: Slice the unpeeled pears and toss them with lemon juice and honey in a bowl. This will prevent browning and infuse the pears with sweetness.
Toast Walnuts: Heat a dry non-stick pan over medium heat and toast the chopped walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from pan and set aside.
Caramelize Pears: In the same pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the honey-coated pear slices and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pears become softened and caramelized with a golden brown color.
Assemble Salad: Arrange the fresh arugula evenly on serving plates. Top with the warm caramelized pears, crumbled blue cheese, and the toasted walnuts to bring layers of taste and texture together.
Serve: Serve immediately while the pears are warm and the blue cheese starts to soften, enhancing the contrast and melding the flavors beautifully.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for best caramelizing results.
Substitute arugula with spring mix or baby spinach for a milder green base.
For a nuttier flavor, try toasted pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
If blue cheese is too strong, try a milder cheese like feta or goat cheese.
This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the warm pears and softened cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramelized pear salad, blue cheese salad, arugula salad, toasted walnuts, warm pear salad, vegetarian salad