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Caramelized Pear Blue Cheese Salad: A Deliciously Unique Recipe for Your Next Meal

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This Caramelized Pear Salad features sweet, tender pears paired with mixed greens, creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and tart dried cranberries, all drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect light meal or an elegant side dish!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine work well)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. A non-stick skillet is recommended for easy cleanup.
  2. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and well combined.
  3. Add the halved pears to the skillet, cut side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes without moving them, allowing the sugar mixture to caramelize and the pears to soften slightly.
  4. Carefully flip the pears over using tongs and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the other side to caramelize. The pears should be tender but still hold their shape.
  5. Remove the pears from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly, drizzling some of the caramel sauce from the skillet over them for extra flavor.
  6. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens. A combination of arugula, spinach, and romaine is recommended for variety.
  7. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the greens.
  8. Add the toasted walnuts (toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant).
  9. Toss in the dried cranberries or cherries for a tart balance to the sweetness of the pears.
  10. Gently toss the salad greens, blue cheese, walnuts, and dried fruit together in the bowl.
  11. Add the caramelized pears, slicing them into smaller pieces if desired.
  12. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  13. Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or individual plates.
  14. Garnish with extra crumbles of blue cheese and chopped walnuts if desired.
  15. Serve immediately while the pears are still warm.

Notes

  • For a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Feel free to substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/caramelized-pear-blue-cheese-salad/