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Pear, walnut and blue cheese salad on a plate
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Pear, walnut and blue cheese salad with spicy citrus vinaigrette

Bursting with crisp apples, juicy pears, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, this salad is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The spicy citrus vinaigrette ties everything together with a bold and refreshing kick, making it a standout dish for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a special weeknight meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Author: Chop and Cheers

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale
  • 2-3 ripe pears thinly sliced
  • 1 crisp apple thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts toasted (Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese Swap with feta or goat cheese for a milder taste.
  • Optional: Pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness
  • Optional: Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a heartier addition

For the spicy citrus vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey Substitute with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Infuse with rosemary or thyme for added depth.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest for extra brightness

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. (For an ultra-smooth vinaigrette, use an immersion blender or small food processor.)
  • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Taste and adjust if needed—add a bit more honey if the vinaigrette is too tangy or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added complexity.

Assemble the salad

  • In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens.
  • Layer the thinly sliced pears and apples on top of the greens. (To prevent them from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice.)
  • Sprinkle toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese over the salad.
  • Drizzle the spicy citrus vinaigrette over everything.