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Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

This green salad is such an easy and tasty recipe for the holidays. With maple candied walnuts, a quick and easy vinaigrette and a good amount of gorgonzola cheese, it's healthy and delicious. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Gorgonzola, Pear, Walnuts
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 323kcal
Author Katie Trant

Ingredients

Maple Candied Walnuts

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces

Vinaigrette

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Pear Gorgonzola Salad

  • 5 oz mixed salad greens
  • 1 large pear thinly sliced
  • 2 oz picante gorgonzola cheese crumbled
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Maple Candied Walnuts

  • Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then whisk in the maple syrup. 
  • Add the walnuts and let 'em cook, stir often, until the maple syrup has caramelized on the walnuts. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. 
  • Remove from the heat and set aside.

Vinaigrette

  • Combine the Dijon, balsamic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a lid. Shake the heck out of it until the ingredients are well combined. 
  • Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Pear Gorgonzola Salad

  • Put your salad greens into a serving bowl. 
  • Slice the pear and distribute over the top. 
  • Crumble the Gorgonzola and scatter across the salad. 
  • Add the cooled, candied walnuts. 
  • Lastly, dress with a drizzle of vinaigrette.
  • Serve!

Notes

  • Nutrition values are an estimate only.
  • Salad serves 4 as a side. I'll admit to eating the entire thing for lunch one day.
  • Can I make this salad in advance? You can make the candied walnuts and the vinaigrette in advance. I recommend waiting until the last minute to slice the pear and dress the salad.
  • Is this salad potluck friendly? Definitely! Layer everything EXCEPT the dressing into a salad bowl, and tuck a jar of vinaigrette alongside. Cover with plastic wrap, transport to the potluck, and dress the salad when you get there.
  • Is this salad gluten free? You bet it is!
  • Help, I can't find Gorgonzola! Try the deli counter of your supermarket or a specialty cheese store in your area. Or just use any old blue cheese you like - I won't tell anyone!

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 615IU | Vitamin C: 10.7mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 0.9mg