Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette
User Reviews
3.8
Pear Salad with Creamy Walnut Vinaigrette
Description
This salad layers fresh ingredients including thinly sliced pears treated with lemon juice to prevent browning, peppery arugula, crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts. The dressing blends Dijon mustard, ground walnuts, white wine vinegar, and walnut oil into a creamy emulsion by processing in a food processor and seasoning with salt and black pepper. The smooth, nutty dressing ties the components together.
The combination yields contrasting textures and flavors: the juicy pears add sweetness and softness, the arugula provides a peppery bite and freshness, the blue cheese contributes pungency and creaminess, while walnuts lend crunch and a warm, nutty note. The vinaigrette’s acidity and creaminess bind the elements harmoniously.
This salad works well as a light starter or side dish, offering a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy components in every bite, suitable for a casual lunch or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pear ripe but firm
- lemon juice of half
- 4 cups arugula or other baby lettuce
- 4 Tbsp walnuts
- 4-8 Tbsp blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
dressing
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp walnuts
- 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup walnut oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To make the dressing put the mustard, walnuts, and vinegar in a small food processor. Process for about a minute, then, while the machine is running, drizzle in the oil (there should be a little hole in the top to allow the oil to drizzle slowly in.) When all the oil had been incorporated, scrape down the sides and process until everything is nice and creamy. The longer you process the smoother the consistency will be. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the pear into 1/4 inch slices. I like to use a mandolin slicer for this. Sprinkle the cut slices with the lemon juice to prevent browning, making sure all surfaces are covered.
- Arrange arugula on 4 salad plates and top each pear slices, stacked but fanned out slightly. Scatter the nuts and blue cheese over the plates. Drizzle with the dressing, and season with fresh cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 349 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 349kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17g | 100% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 663mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 17599IU | 352% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 149mg | 15% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.8
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