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4.8 from 72 votes

Pear, Gorgonzola and Sweet & Spicy Pecan Salad

This pear gorgonzola is the perfect simple greens salad for the holiday and winter season! Topped with sweet and spicy pecans and champagne vinaigrette!

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

pecans
  • ¾ cup whole pecans
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
champagne vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, freshly grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
salad
  • 8 cups spring greens
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 pears, any variety, cut into matchsticks
  • ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Instructions

pecans
    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a plate with parchment paper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the sugar and cayenne. Once it starts to melt, add in the pecans and toss well to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the pecans, placing them on the parchment. Separate the nuts so they aren’t in one big chunk. Let cool completely before using.
champagne vinaigrette
  1. Combine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, dijon, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl and whisk together. Stream in the olive oil while constantly whisking until the dressing comes together. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
salad
  1. Place the greens in a large bowl and season well with the salt and pepper. Add in the matchstick pears, the pecans and the crumbled gorgonzola. Drizzle on the dressing and serve.